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Does Thermage Really Work?

Posted on by igor.akkerman

Have you noticed lately that your skin has started to get loose in some areas? Is it having a negative impact on your self-esteem, or causing you to lose self-confidence? If you are suffering from “saggy skin” as the result of aging, then maybe it’s time you knew about the cutting-edge treatment called Thermage. This is a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment for loose skin in the face, arms, abdomen, thighs, and elsewhere, and you can get it now from the attentive medical professionals at Artful Aesthetics in Oakland, CA.

Where Does Loose Skin Come From?

As we age, our bodies start to produce less of the proteins that our connective tissues need in order to retain their shape. Two of the proteins that are frequently mentioned in skin are collagen and elastin. Collagen is a fibrous protein that helps skin stay strong, while elastin helps skin “bounce back” when it gets stretched. When there are fewer of these proteins running through your skin, the net effect is a gradual sag and loss of tightness.

What Can We Do About Loose Skin?

It’s no wonder that people can be self-conscious about loose or sagging skin. It may be a normal part of the aging process, but it is often one of the first signs of aging. If it is more pronounced than normal, people discover that their skin laxity makes them look older than they really are.

Face and Brow Lifts

For many years, the most effective treatment for loose skin was getting some sort of facelift that would require surgery and a recovery period lasting one or two weeks. Lifts can be extremely effective, and millions have certainly benefited from them. But despite this, not everyone wants to get a surgical procedure like a facelift, brow or forehead lift, or even a laser therapy treatment.

A Gentler Option

With Thermage, you now have a gentler treatment option, and you can find it at Artful Aesthetics. Our experienced medical staff has spent over 15 years serving patients from Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, San Leandro, and the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. What exactly is this treatment, and how does it work?

Is Thermage Really Effective? How Does It Work?

This treatment has achieved widespread popularity because it uses an effective but non-invasive technology called radiofrequency energy. Radiofrequency energy is delivered by a handheld device, and it has the ability to warm certain targeted areas without resorting to injections or surgery. When this radiofrequency energy is delivered to the lower layers of the dermis, it stimulates the production of collagen.

Tightening and Stimulating Collagen

The effect of this is twofold. First, the radio frequency energy will have an immediate effect on the collagen that is already present in your skin. It will cause this collagen to shrink and contract, causing an immediate tightening of the skin. Second, the production of new collagen will ensure that you get long-lasting results as your body begins to change the composition of your skin over the following weeks and months.

Targeting the Right Spots

When the radiofrequency energy is delivered by the handheld device, it only affects the deep levels of the skin, and only in the areas of the body that you want to be targeted. It completely passes by the surface of the skin and the upper levels, meaning that you won’t have any negative effects in these areas, or your surrounding tissues and organs.

What Are the Benefits?

No Injections or Incisions

Let’s face it––not everyone wants to get surgery. Even if they desire the swift results that can come with it, there is a feeling that it might be too serious a procedure for some people. Thermage is non-invasive, requiring absolutely no needles and no incisions. If the idea of surgery is stressful or simply unappealing, you don’t need to worry about missing out. You can still achieve amazing results and get a complete skin rejuvenation.

Only One Treatment Necessary

Although some patients might benefit from multiple treatments, many of them will only need one session in order to see enormous changes in their skin. A session will usually last somewhere between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the area being treated.

No Downtime Necessary

This is one of the major benefits. You can go about your day immediately after thermage treatment. Unlike a facelift that could leave you recovering for days or even weeks, a radiofrequency treatment will not require you to take any time off or curtail your other activities for long.

Long-Lasting Results

Patients often wonder if such a non-invasive thermage treatment can really work. Can something this quick and easy really be effective? The secret is in the fact that increased collagen production is a long-term process. It should be noted that this is a slower process than a lift or some laser treatments. Collagen production can often take weeks or even a couple months to show the best results, but the change does come, and it will continue to have a positive impact on your skin laxity for 3-4 years after treatment.

Multiple Treatment Areas Covered

Because we use a highly advanced delivery device, we are able to target treatment areas by changing both the intensity of the radiofrequency energy and the area it covers. For instance, we are able to use a gentler intensity for delicate skin closer to the eyes, and a stronger dose for thicker skin around the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs.

What Areas Can Be Treated?

This particular thermage treatment is effective for multiple areas of the body. Because the intensity of radiofrequency energy can be adjusted, this technology can easily be adapted for different patients and treatment regions.

Face

Many people find that, as they get older, their foreheads gain lines or creases. In many cases, the earliest telltale signs of age can appear on the face in the form of drooping brows, frown lines, and crow’s feet on the sides of the eyes. Thermage can be an excellent gentle treatment for people who don’t want to go through the process of getting a lift. It can also help maintain the results from a previous brow or forehead lift.

Eyes

Are you suffering from puffy eyes? Do you have a sunken look, dark circles, or bags underneath your eyes? The eyes are the window to the soul and often the first thing people notice about you. When your eyes shine and communicate energy, the rest of you does too. In addition to alleviating crow’s feet, this treatment can help the area around the eyes in general, promoting a rejuvenated look and giving you back your self-confidence when you meet people.

Arms and Hands

The arms and hands can often be a major problem area for skin laxity. Sagging skin around the upper arms is incredibly common, and although it isn’t always as visible, this is the area many people want to be treated. Radiofrequency energy can tighten the drooping skin around the triceps, giving the arms a more toned and youthful appearance.

Thighs

For many people, the thighs and upper legs are the most challenging region. When skin becomes loose on the thighs, it doesn’t always appear as “sagging skin” in the way that the arms or face might. It can often be most noticeable as a wrinkled or “crepey” look, with the front of the thighs showing extensive wrinkling as a result of skin laxity. If you have noticed a significant increase in the wrinkles on your thighs, just one treatment can completely change your look, and return a smooth and tight surface.

Abdomen

Very often, patients discover loose skin on their abdomen for what is normally a healthy reason: they have adopted a new lifestyle and have shed a lot of unwanted pounds. Unfortunately, this can sometimes have an unplanned side effect. Many people who lose weight find that they have increased energy, better moods, an improved outlook, and also excess skin in their abdominal region.

With this treatment, we can help you experience all the benefits of your hard work, tightening the skin around the abs and belly to give you a fitter, slimmer look.

Buttocks

This treatment can even be used on the buttocks to help tighten the skin in this region. It’s true that we often gain weight here as we age, but it’s also true that some people lose volume in this area and are left with looser or sagging skin. If increased skin laxity is making you self-conscious about getting into a bathing suit, you can take back control and re-tighten your buttocks.

What Sort of Results Should I Expect?

One of the amazing things about this treatment is that you get the best of both worlds: instant and long-term benefits. You get immediate results from the tightening of the collagen that you already have. You also get long-lasting, gradual results from increased collagen production.

Because of this, you may see a noticeable change only days after treatment, but the best results are waiting for you between three to six months after your session. By this point, your body has produced new collagen that has been absorbed and integrated into your skin.

How Often Should I Get Treatment?

Positive effects from one session can often last for years. However, if you want to see the best results possible, it is often recommended to get annual follow-up treatments. In this way, you can make sure that your collagen production gets a regular boost.

Will I Be Awake for Treatment?

This is not surgery, and you will not need to be put to sleep. A topical anesthetic is typically applied to the surface of the skin on the treatment area to make the session more comfortable.

Am I a Candidate?

This treatment is a safe and easy solution for men and women, and the radiofrequency energy can work with any skin type.

How Do I Start?

The first step is to contact our office and schedule a pre-treatment consultation. This consultation is a one-on-one meeting with our staff, and during this time we will be able to get a sense of what your goals and expectations are. We will go over your medical history, and any special conditions or medications you may have. You can ask questions and we will prepare a treatment plan together.

Contact Us Today!

Are you ready to get rid of that loose and sagging skin, and take back a smooth, youthful look? If you’d like to know more about Thermage or any skin-tightening treatments, we are here for you! We have an amazing team with years of skin treatment experience, and we would love to meet you and help you on your journey. You don’t need to wait any longer. Contact Artful Aesthetics in Oakland, CA, today!

CoolSculpting: Experience Amazing Body Sculpting Without Surgery

Posted on by igor.akkerman

 

Millions of Americans are frustrated by the appearance of stubborn pockets of body fat. Sometimes, no matter how many miles you run, crunches you crunch, or carbs you cut, that body fat just won’t budge. Luckily, modern body sculpting without surgery techniques provide non-invasive means of making those fat deposits a thing of the past. At Artful Aesthetics in Oakland, CA, we offer one such body sculpting treatment in the form of CoolSculpting, which uses targeted temperature therapy to quite literally freeze and melt away body fat.

What Is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a popular, 100% non-invasive body sculpting technique that uses cold temperatures to freeze away stubborn body fat that won’t respond to diet or exercise. It’s approved by the FDA and proven to work on many areas of the body where fat typically collects, including the belly, the thighs, and the neck.

The Science Behind Body Fat

Body fat is stored in fat cells. It seems easy to think that when we gain weight, the number of fat cells in the body increases, and when we lose weight, the number of fat cells decreases. In fact, the number of fat cells in the human body stays relatively stable once we age out of adolescence. As adults, our fat cells are pretty much stable.

Instead of forming new cells when we gain weight, the body stores extra fat in those existing cells, causing them to expand. When we lose weight, the body processes the fat in those cells, which causes them to contract. Because those fat cells are always there, there’s only so much that diet and exercise can do for stubborn fat deposits. Those cells aren’t going anywhere without a little help. That’s where body sculpting techniques like CoolSculpting come in.

How Body Sculpting Works

This body sculpting treatment, also known as cryolipolysis, works because of another quirk in the nature of body fat: it freezes at a slightly higher temperature than surrounding tissue. Using carefully calibrated temperature control, our professionals freeze fat cells, which cases them to crystalize. The damage done eventually kills the cells, which, as we now know, is a tough thing to do. The dead fat cells are then processed by the body. As they are removed, the stubborn fat deposit that was treated will slowly melt away over time.

A CoolSculpting treatment can reduce the appearance of body fat in the treated area by 18%, with some people experiencing reductions of up to 25%. This body sculpting method is most commonly used to treat the belly, thighs, lower back, upper arms, and flanks, but it can be used elsewhere, too.

What Is the Treatment Like?

The treatment itself is administered by a CoolSculpting machine operated by our professional team. The machine compresses fat in the area of treatment between two plates. First, one of our specialists will apply a gel to the area of treatment. The specialist then places the machine’s applicator over the skin. A vacuum seal will pull the area of treatment into place, and the cold-administering plates are then pressed against the skin on either side of the area.

Those plates then administer cold temperatures onto the skin, which sink in and freeze the fat cells beneath. Patients who undergo CoolSculpting report a little pinching and pressure, but once the cold temperatures start to numb the skin, it’s easy to lean back and relax while the machine does its thing.

Depending on the size of the area being treated, a single treatment can take anywhere from one to three hours. You can read a book, binge your favorite show, or even bring a laptop and get some work done while you relax and wait. Once your treatment is finished, you’ll be able to walk out of our office and go back to your normal daily routine. Unlike invasive fat reduction surgeries like liposuction, CoolSculpting requires zero recovery downtime.

What Are the Downsides?

As mentioned above, some people report pinching or pressure during the beginning of the treatment. Post-treatment, the treated area will take some time to thaw out. You can expect some redness in the treated area, just as you would if you were icing a bruise on your couch. Beyond that, there is no downtime and no side effects.

How Long Before I See Results?

The treated fat cells will take a little time to die off, and the body will take still more time to remove them. Most people can expect to start seeing results within a few weeks of their initial treatment. Those results will continue to improve up to and even beyond three months after a treatment. As the body slowly flushes out the dead fat cells, the skin around the treated area has time to mold itself to the new contours of your body, ensuring a natural look. This isn’t an instant fix, but the results are proven and worth it for those who don’t mind a short wait.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments each person needs depends on their desired results. If you just want to freeze some fat off of your belly, one or two treatments may be enough. If your goals are more grand, you’ll have to come in multiple times to target various areas. When you visit our office for your consultation, one of your specialists will examine the area you want treated and come up with a customized treatment plan that will help you achieve your goals.

How Long Will My Results Last?

Fat cells are difficult to destroy, but the body also tends not to create many new ones in adulthood, either. That means that the results of a CoolSculpting treatment can be expected to be more or less permanent, with some exceptions. For example, not all fat cells will be killed by a treatment, which leaves room for the remaining cells to expand in the event of weight gain. In addition, extreme weight gain can cause the body to generate new fat cells, which can undo the effects of a treatment.

If you maintain a good diet and exercise regimen, though, you can expect the results of your CoolSculpting treatment to last for years to come.

Who Is CoolSculpting for?

While CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved, proven, safe method for melting away pesky stubborn body fat, it is not the perfect solution to everyone’s goals. Read on to learn who might be a good candidate for a CoolSculpting treatment.

People At or Near Their Ideal Body Weight

One of the biggest misconceptions about CoolSculpting and other, similar non-invasive body sculpting treatments is that they are effective weight loss methods. In reality, these treatments are strictly cosmetic. They work best for people who are already in good shape, especially those who are at or near their ideal body weight but still have pockets of stubborn body fat that won’t respond to normal diet and exercise habits. If you have pinchable body fat that can be pulled from the body but are in good overall physical shape, you might be a good candidate for CoolSculpting.

People who want to lose weight or people who are obese will not find the solution they’re looking for with CoolSculpting. Instead, they should speak to their physician and formulate a weight loss plan focused on diet, exercise, and healthy living.

People With Generally Healthy Skin

CoolSculpting slowly melts away fat over several weeks, which gives healthy skin with normal elasticity time to reshape itself around the body’s new contours. People with loose or lax skin, however, may find that their doesn’t mold itself around the body’s new shape. That’s why CoolSculpting is best suited to people who have generally healthy skin with good elasticity.

People With Realistic Expectations

This treatment can go a long way toward improving self-confidence and body image, but it’s important to remember that a treatment will reduce body fat in the treated area by a maximum of around 25%. It’s not going to turn a belly into six-pack abs. If that’s your goal, you’ll need to focus on a strict diet and exercise regimen. If you just want to rid yourself of a bit of body fat that won’t respond to your normal routine though, CoolSculpting is one of the best currently available ways to do so.

People Who Have Ruled Out Invasive Surgery

There’s a time and a place for liposuction, but for many an invasive surgical procedure that requires lengthy downtime for recovery is never going to be the best option. Whether the idea of surgery makes you nervous, the expense is too great, or you just don’t think it’s necessary, people who want to trim away a little body fat without invasive procedures should look into CoolSculpting as a safe, viable alternative that provides proven results.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate?

As mentioned above, CoolSculpting is a great solution for thousands of people, but it is not the best solution for everyone. Here are a few examples of people who should look into other treatments or postpone body sculpting treatments to a later date.

People With Temperature-Sensitive Conditions

People with skin and other conditions that make them more sensitive to cold temperatures could experience complications from a treatment like this and should speak to their physician prior to undergoing it.

Women Who Are Pregnant or Nursing

Women who are pregnant or nursing may not be good candidates for CoolSculpting for multiple reasons. One of the reasons is that the body undergoes many changes during pregnancy, so cosmetic treatments should be postponed until after pregnancy and the nursing period are complete. If you’d like to learn more, you can consult with your physician or one of our specialists.

People With Insufficient Body Fat

CoolSculpting uses a vacuum to grab hold of fat deposits and squeeze them between the machine’s cold plates. If you don’t have enough fat to squeeze between those plates, the treatment is unlikely to do you much good. Likewise, people with solid fat, which means no distinct bulges and no means to grab hold of it, are unlikely candidates for this treatment.

Conclusion

In one to three hours, a CoolSculpting treatment can melt away pockets of body fat that years of diet and exercise have failed to work their magic on. It can do this without the need for downtime, with no needles, no incisions, and no recovery period. You could even get a CoolSculpting treatment on a long lunch and be back at work that day, with no one the wiser.

This might all sound too good to be true, but this treatment is FDA-approved and has worked for millions of people all over the world. If you think you would be a good candidate for this treatment and would like to learn more, contact Artful Aesthetics in Oakland, CA to schedule a consultation today!

Artful Aesthetics – Your Go-To Aesthetic Provider in Oakland

Posted on by igor.akkerman

Whether you are unhappy with signs of aging or you want to enhance a certain part of your body, there are a number of aesthetic treatments and solutions available these days. When you’re ready to make a change, you may feel overwhelmed. You may be asking yourself a number of questions. What treatments are best for me? Where is the best place to have them done? Look no further than Artful Aesthetics. We are the go-to aesthetic provider in the Oakland area, and for good reason! Popular services include:

  • Sculptra Butt Lift
  • Laser Treatments
  • Vampire Facelift
  • Cellulite Treatments

This just scratches the surface when it comes to the amazing services that we offer. Below, we’ll take a closer look at them.

The Sculptra Butt Lift Could Be Perfect for You

Have you been yearning for a fuller backside but do not qualify for fat transfer procedures because you lack excess fat? Or do you just want a non-surgical way to make your butt perfect? If that describes you, you’re in the right place. Artful Aesthetics offers the Sculptra Butt Lift to help you achieve that plump and round behind you’ve always wanted.

What is the Sculptra Butt Lift?

It’s a butt enhancing treatment that uses Sculptra, an injection that uses poly-L-lactic acid to stimulate the body to produce more natural collagen. Initially, the treatment was specifically designed for facial enhancement, but it has also been proven to be highly effective in butt lifts. If you’re still sitting on the fence about it, here are a few signs a Sculptra Butt Lift could be perfect for you.

1. You Have No Fat to Transfer

Most patients are now looking for non-surgical options for butt augmentation. Most of the patients who look for such treatment don’t have adequate fat to transfer from one part of the body to another. If you’re more petite, then you don’t need a fat transfer at all.

With this treatment, we will simply find the right spot to inject the Sculptra solution into your backside. This means you can still enjoy a plump behind even if you don’t have excess fat deposits.

2. You Want No Recovery Time

Since a Sculptra Butt Lift only involves injections, there is no set downtime. Most patients often report resuming their usual activities after treatment without any adverse effects. Immediately after treatment, you may experience some minor side effects from the injections, but they fade away after a short while. The good news also is that every patient receives personalized treatment. As such, you’re adequately prepared on how to get ready before and after treatment. This ensures you optimize your results.

3. You’re Budget-Conscious

A Sculptra Butt Lift is affordable, making it suitable if you are on a budget. Since you don’t have to undergo complicated surgeries, you can get your desired butt shape without breaking the bank. Most clinics charge based on the number of syringes you get.

You may also get numerous discounts and perks if you get all your treatments in one clinic. So, make sure you choose the right clinic with the right specialists.

Getting your desired backside should not be costly, risky or time-consuming. A Sculptra Butt Lift gives you an opportunity to make your wish a reality.

Laser Treatments Can Work Wonders On Your Skin

As people age, exposure of the skin to sunlight and oxygen combined with the natural aging process causes characteristic changes to the skin and facial contour, including uneven pigmentation, lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of facial volume. At this point, many people think their only option is to get a surgical facelift. However, nowadays, we have various alternatives to surgical facelifts, one of them being laser treatments.

A Closer Look at Laser Treatments

As the name suggests, laser treatments use laser energy in different modes to lift and tighten the skin, smooth out the pigmentation, and enhance the skin’s texture and appearance. The laser energy also stimulates the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, which can add volume to the face without the need for fillers. Laser treatments are versatile in that they can be used to address a number of different issues and provide a wide range of benefits.

A laser treatment can be used to improve the uniformity of the pigmentation in the skin. A laser treatment designed to penetrate deeply into the skin and to break up clumps of pigment can be applied to restore a more youthful-looking complexion.

Laser and other forms of energy can also be applied to other parts of the skin, including under the jaw and the neck, using a wavelength that causes collagen to tighten and contract, lifting and smoothing the skin.

Here at Artful Aesthetics, we are proud to offer a number of laser treatments for patients to choose from. Services include laser skin rejuvenation, IPL photofacial by Venus Versa, Clear and Brilliant, Thermage CPT, and more.

Repair Damaged Skin with a Vampire Facelift 

A Vampire Facelift involves injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into multiple parts of the face using specialized techniques. The PRP is prepared from a patient’s own blood in a simple, quick, in-office procedure. PRP is rich in growth factors and cytokines, and it stimulates the tissues to heal and rejuvenate, repairing damage caused by the sun and aging. It induces the production of collagen and elastin to improve the texture and springiness of the skin, as well as providing a volumizing effect.

These treatments are performed in the comfort of our office. No set recovery or downtime is required after the treatment. Depending on the situation and the issues you’d like to address, a series of treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results. This is the case with a number of aesthetic treatments. The results may begin to be apparent immediately after each treatment, but they just get better over time. Because the Vampire Facelift induces natural healing and rejuvenation processes to occur, its results are not usually apparent until sometime after the treatment, but they continue to improve for months after completion of the treatment. A touch-up treatment as needed is usually suggested to maintain the desired results.

If you have been considering a surgical facelift, you owe it to yourself to consider the Vampire Facelift. It’s a safe, non-surgical way to rejuvenate your appearance and minimize various signs of aging. With that being said, it can’t replace a surgical facelift. However, it may be used to prolong the results of a facelift or to extend the time until a facelift is needed.

Smooth Your Skin with Cellulite Treatments

No matter what products you use to take care of your skin, there may come a point when you begin to develop the unwanted condition known as cellulite. This cosmetic issue is especially common near the midsection, but it can take place practically anywhere on the body. For those who continue to struggle with cellulite, it might be time to consider cellulite treatments. Unlike creams and ointments, cellulite treatments will address the root causes of this condition in order to create long-term results.

What Causes Cellulite?

Cellulite is much more complex than most people realize. While an individual’s weight does play a role in this condition, it is not the only variable to consider. Just below the surface of the skin are stiff bands of connective tissue. When fat cells push through the connective bands of tissue, it causes ripples and dimples that are known as cellulite.

Quite a few different factors affect when and where an individual develops cellulite. Both sexes can have cellulite, but it is much more common among women. It also occurs much more frequently in those who have relatively sedentary lifestyles. Unfortunately, even patients who stay within a healthy weight range can still develop this condition.

Downsides of Surgical Cellulite Treatments

There are quite a few different surgical treatments that will get rid of cellulite. Most of these treatments address the fatty tissue as well as the connective bands. A surgeon might suggest cutting the connective tissue before removing some of the fat. By taking care of both of these factors at once, patients generally enjoy good results. But as you can imagine, surgery has its downsides.

For one, surgery is invasive. After administering the anesthesia, one or more incisions will need to be made near the cellulite so that a small rod known as a cannula can be used to liquefy the fat and break apart the fibrous tissue.

Surgery also requires a recovery period. Generally speaking, most patients fully recover from their cellulite procedures within just a few days as long as they properly care for the incisions. But during the recovery, the patient must avoid all strenuous physical activities including exercising. During the next appointment with the surgeon, the patient will be given additional instructions on when they can begin exercising. The recovery period will come with restrictions and discomfort, among other downsides. That’s why we are proud to offer non-surgical cellulite treatments at our office.

Addressing Your Cellulite with Non-Surgical Treatments

At Artful Aesthetics, we take advantage of the power of Thermage CPT for our cellulite treatments. This amazing treatment uses radiofrequency energy to tighten skin on various areas of the body.

Every patient has slightly different needs, and that is why all cellulite treatments must be personalized. Keep in mind that in addition to cellulite treatments, patients must make lifestyle changes to prevent cellulite from developing in the future. That includes staying within a healthy weight range and exercising as often as possible. Keeping your skin moisturized and healthy will also reduce your risk of cellulite. Patients will also be provided with more information regarding how they can prevent their cellulite from coming back.

Schedule a Consultation

When you visit us at Artful Aesthetics, you’ll see firsthand why we’re the go-to aesthetic provider in the area. If you’re interested in taking advantage of our services, you are warmly invited to contact us today and book an appointment at our office in Oakland. We look forward to hearing from you!

Am I a Candidate for the Vampire Facelift?

Posted on by igor.akkerman

You may have heard of the Vampire Facelift but aren’t sure of what it really is. First of all, it’s not a real facelift procedure. It’s often referred to as a facelift because the results sometimes mimic those of a traditional facelift or mini-lift. The skin is smoother, sags are gone, and wrinkles are much less visible. How is this accomplished without surgery? The answer is blood, hence the vampire reference.

The procedure involves the use of platelet-rich plasma, or PRP. When injected beneath the skin, concentrated blood platelets acts as a stimulation for the creation of healthy tissues. The results can be quite dramatic with improved skin tone, better overall skin texture, and fewer discolorations on the face.

How Does PRP Work?

Platelet-rich plasma therapy was originally developed to accelerate the healing of tendons and ligaments following an injury. Today, it’s just as popular as a facial treatment. Blood platelets, when exposed to oxygen, mesh together and form small clots, and this is a good thing when we experience a cut or other injury that penetrates below the skin.

Platelets are also good at contributing to the growth of tissue that replaces damaged or destroyed cells. They contain growth factors including important proteins. When concentrated in a small amount of plasma, the platelets act as the first-line building blocks when the body needs to grow new muscle, skin, tendons, or other tissues.

Ideal Candidates for a Vampire Facelift

The ideal candidate will be an adult who is experiencing brittle, dull skin that contains wrinkles. Aging factors combined with environmental pollutants and sun exposure are the main culprits when it comes to dull skin, enlarged pores, more pronounced freckles, and scarring that has become more visible over the years.

These are all conditions that can be corrected with a Vampire Facelift. It doesn’t work miracles overnight, but in the weeks and months that follow the procedure, more smoothness and less discolorations are the delightful result.

Advantages Over Other Procedures

A Vampire Facelift doesn’t involve surgery and won’t discolor the skin surface. Some other treatments carry the risk of bleaching or darkening the skin surface. Properly performed, PRP therapy carries none of these risks.

Find Out More

With a Vampire Facelift, you won’t be bitten by a vampire, but your blood will be put to good use. To get more information about this revolutionary procedure and to find out if you are an ideal candidate, talk to our specialist at Artful Aesthetics in Oakland. Contact us today to book your consultation.

Who is a Candidate for Dermal Fillers?

Posted on by igor.akkerman

Artful Aesthetics offers dermal fillers in Oakland for clients looking to reverse the effects of volume loss in the face. Volume or fat loss in the face is a natural part of the aging process that results in a thinner-looking face and causes fine lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers are injections of natural substances that restore lost fat and volume, resulting in a younger-looking face.

Dermal fillers are a minimally-invasive option to surgical procedures like facelifts and an all-natural alternative to other treatments. The treatment is performed in the comfort of our office, and you can resume normal activities immediately, making this an ideal choice for those with busy schedules. The effects can be seen immediately and will last for quite a while. The length of the effects varies based on the targeted area and the particular filler.

What to Expect Before Getting Dermal Fillers

The first step if you are considering dermal fillers is to schedule a consultation with one of our experts. Dermal fillers are ideal for dealing with volume loss, deep wrinkles, smile and marionette lines, and recessed scars. They can be used on almost any area of the face and are suitable for healthy adults. Clients should have realistic expectations and intend to maintain good skin health.

When planning for your initial appointment, we will discuss the various options for dermal fillers. They all have different strengths and lengths of effect, so the ideal choice for each case will be different. We will also review your medication history and advise you on how to prepare for your treatment. As this is a minimally-invasive outpatient treatment, prep is minimal. However, it is recommended that you keep your face clean and free of foreign substances like makeup before your appointment.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

During the treatment, the filler of choice is skillfully injected into the treatment area(s). After your treatment, you will be free to return to work and resume normal activities immediately with no major side effects. You will immediately notice some of the effects of the treatment in the form of a fuller, more youthful face and a reduction in lines and wrinkles.

Are Dermal Fillers Right for Me?

  • Are you looking to add volume to your face and reduce fine lines and wrinkles?
  • Do you want a minimally-invasive, non-surgical treatment?
  • Is it important to be free to resume normal activities immediately with no set downtime?

Learn More

Dermal fillers may be just what you have been looking for to achieve your cosmetic goals. You can talk to the team at Artful Aesthetics in Oakland to learn more about your options. Contact us today to book your appointment!

IPL Treatment – What to Expect

Posted on by igor.akkerman

Your face is the first thing most people notice about you. Unfortunately, it is also one of the first places to show signs of aging and sun damage. At Artful Aesthetics, we’re proud to offer IPL treatment so our clients can be confident in their appearance. Would you like to learn more about this innovative skin care treatment? If so, keep reading.

What is IPL?
So, what is IPL? IPL stands for “intense pulsed light.” You may know this treatment better as a “photofacial.” This treatment harnesses the power of broadband light to eliminate sun spots and age spots, treat rosacea and improve the texture of your skin. It can also be used to treat dermatologic diseases, rejuvenate your skin and do much more.

How Does IPL Treatment Work?
Treatment with IPL works by passing the handheld device over the skin. As it passes, pulses of broad-spectrum light penetrate the deepest layers of your skin. The light treats your skin on a molecular level, eliminating the need for injections or incisions.

How Can I Ensure the Best Results?
To get the best results from your IPL treatment, start by preparing your skin in the weeks before your treatment. Stimulating your skin beforehand allows it to be as healthy as possible and receptive to the treatment.

For instance, you can start your morning by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser. Then, apply a nourishing moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. The paler your skin is, the higher SPF sunscreen you need to use. This protects your skin from further sun damage.

Every evening, cleanse your skin again with a gentle cleanser. This removes all the impurities, such as bacteria and dirt that have accumulated throughout the day. Cleansing is the most important evening skin care step because it also removes all your dead skin cells. Then, you should moisturize your face again. For advice on the best skin care products to use for your skin type, schedule a consultation with our expert.

How Long Does Treatment Take?
Depending on the size of your treatment area, you can expect your IPL treatment to take minutes to an hour or longer. When you come in for your consultation to discuss your goals, we can give you a more accurate estimate of how long to expect.

How Long Until I See Results?
The severity of your case will affect how long it will take to see results. However, most people need a series of treatments to achieve their goals.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation
Whether you’re looking to remove acne scars, reverse the appearance of sun damage or improve the pigmentation of your skin, IPL treatment at Artful Aesthetics could help. To learn more about what to expect, contact us today and book a consultation at our office in Oakland, CA.

Subtly Enhance Your Booty with a Sculptra Butt Lift

Posted on by igor.akkerman

Ready to have that booty you have always wanted without undergoing surgery? A Sculptra Butt Lift is a great way to enhance your curves without all the downtime associated with implants. The natural-looking results will help you look your best without anyone knowing you had any help. 

 

What is a Sculptra Butt Lift?

 

Sculptra is actually a dermal filler that was originally designed for the face. It was discovered that it could also be injected into the buttocks to help lift and sculpt their appearance. The active ingredient in Sculptra is known as poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA). It helps the body to begin to produce more collagen, which is what gives you the rounder booty you are seeking. 

 

What to Expect with a Sculptra Butt Lift

 

Prior to the injections, the area can be thoroughly numbed to ensure you are not uncomfortable during the process. From there, injections are made into the buttocks using specialized techniques. In order to reach your peak results, it may take more than one session. The typical treatment course is anywhere from two to five sessions that are spaced a set amount of time apart. 

 

Results develop gradually. Your body will begin the work of creating the new collagen after your first session and continue on long after your last session. On average, peak results are reached in the months after completing your last treatment. For many people, this is a perk because the results develop in a natural way. 

 

Who is a Good Candidate for the Sculptra Butt Lift?

 

Like any cosmetic procedure, the best candidates are going to be those who are in good general health. It is a good idea to be at or near your goal weight because large weight fluctuations can impact your results. You may consider yourself a good candidate if you:

 

  • Want a non-surgical way to increase the volume of your buttocks
  • Want to tighten your buttocks using collagen growth 
  • Have wrinkles on your buttocks and would like to reduce their appearance
  • Have realistic expectations 
  • Have a positive attitude about the treatment

 

If you are interested in having the Sculptra Butt Lift done to subtly enhance your curves, get in touch with our team at Artful Aesthetics. The first step is always to have a consultation at our office in Oakland so we can ensure that this treatment is a good fit for you and learn more about your body goals. Contact us today to book your appointment and get started! 

 

How Many CoolSculpting Treatments Do You Need?

Posted on by igor.akkerman

How Many CoolSculpting Treatments Do You Need?

CoolSculpting is the revolutionary, non-invasive way of eliminating unwanted fat so that you can get on with your best life ever! This is an amazing body contouring treatment, and the number of treatments you need will depend on a number of factors. For example, how much definition do you personally want?

This is a wonderful treatment that can sculpt your body and give you the curves and contours you didn’t know were there. By reducing the number of fat cells in specific areas, many users feel better than they have in years! Of course, the exact details of each treatment plan vary from client to patient. When you are finished with one treatment, you may discuss applying another treatment; it’s completely up to you and the goals you are wanting to achieve.

Today, there are many testimonials for you to see and hear, and this may help you determine the number of treatments you may need. Unlike dieting and exercise that burns up calories and fat randomly all over your body, CoolSculpting focuses on specific areas such as the belly and thighs. The curves you want to create and the amount of fat you want to lose is up to you and the provider. Many people report that one or two treatments is all that they needed to make an amazing difference and create the look they wanted.

Thousands of men and women like yourself have already been successful in using the CoolSculpting treatment to transform their bodies. You’ll be amazed as the stubborn fat cells seem to melt off from those difficult-to-lose areas with no extra effort. During the treatment, the fat cells are frozen, and as they die, they gradually go away. Men and women alike have found that CoolSculpting is the solution they’ve been looking for to reach their goal of getting into the shape they always dreamed of. They have been able to create a sexy shape, which was the reason this new treatment was developed.

The technology behind CoolSculpting is advanced, and it has taken years for researchers, scientists, and clinicians to emerge with this non-surgical, non-invasive treatment. As the name suggests, it uses a ground-breaking cooling technology to freeze fat cells directly under the skin without harming any of the surrounding tissue. When the affected fat cells are frozen during the treatment, they die and naturally wash away by your own system with no chemicals, extra fasting or vigorous exercise. Your body flushes them out, and they are gone forever. The result is a better-looking you!

What is the CoolSculpting Treatment and How Does it Work?

Experts have spent years developing CoolSculpting for the general public. This one-of-a-kind technology requires no surgery, no chemicals or prescriptions either before or after your treatment, and no downtime after the treatment is completed. CoolSculpting is a safe solution for creating a nice body effortlessly.

In 2017, scientists perfected the process, and the Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, approved its use in the US. Up until then, the only recognized methods for removing fat were liposuction and other fat removal surgeries. Liposuction requires surgery and recovery time for the incisions and remaining tissue to heal. CoolSculpting does not need any recovery time allotted because it is a natural, chemical-free treatment that freezes the fat cells to eliminate them. You simply go about your normal routine and let your body do the work.

What Areas Can I Sculpt Away?

The CoolSculpting process was originally designed to be most effective for men and women who have been on a program of diet and exercise but have hit a plateau where they have stopped losing fat. After you’ve tried everything and settled with the fact that these fat pockets are not going anywhere, this incredible treatment becomes available with targeted spot reduction. And with CoolSculpting, you eliminate the treated fat cells forever! It eliminates those stubborn, unwanted fat cells permanently in the specific area that was treated, never to return again!

Here are just some of the many areas that can be treated:

  • Abdomen
  • Thighs (inner and outer)
  • Flanks
  • Back
  • Chin
  • Upper arms

Although men and women tend to carry extra fat differently, the CoolSculpting procedure works the same for either sex. The entire treatment is performed in the comfort of our office with no hospital visit or downtime. You simply relax, and the device freezes the fat cells that are directly under the applicator.

What Can I Expect in the Office Visit?

With no time spent in the hospital, the entire CoolSculpting process is completed in our comfortable office by our dedicated team. The state-of-the-art technology is able to treat multiple areas in the same visit, depending on their locations. Prior to the application, you will have discussed and chosen which area or areas will be treated with the professional. No other preparation is required, and there are no pills or awful-tasting liquids to swallow. You simply arrive at your appointment, ready to rest in the office.

During the treatment, a clear gel pad will be applied to the area to act as a barrier between the cooling panel and your skin. Clinical trials ensure this is safe and secure for any position.

The treatment will take minutes to an hour or longer depending on the areas to be treated. While the machine is busy freezing your fat cells, you are free to read, work on your device or talk to a friend on the phone. When the treatment is finished, many people return to work or go about their usual routine. No recovery period is needed, and you may eat whenever you’d like!

After the application, you may receive a brief massage to break apart the treated fat cells and encourage fat reduction. Within just weeks, many begin to see slight contouring begin, which will continue for months as the frozen fat cells are eliminated. When you return at the end of the designated time, you will be amazed to see the before and after pictures.

What are the Benefits of This Treatment?

CoolSculpting is amazing because it allows you to address stubborn areas that diet and exercise simply can’t. What’s more, the procedure is entirely non-surgical and non-invasive, making it a great option for those who don’t qualify for surgery. Most people who are interested in the treatment tend to qualify for it.

Another benefit of the treatment is the natural-looking results that it provides. The fat reduction is gradual. As such, it will look natural. People will notice the treatment area(s) getting slimmer over time, but they won’t know that you had anything done unless you choose to tell them. They’ll simply think that your diet and exercise efforts are finally starting to pay off.

Understanding the Difference Between Fat Loss and Weight Loss

Many people find this confusing, but our professional can explain this phenomenon in more detail. CoolSculpting is a fat reduction or body contouring treatment, NOT a weight loss procedure. You may lose inches from those difficult-to-lose places because fat cells are destroyed and released from the body. When you lose weight, you lose muscle, fat, and water, so more pounds are lost. When fat cells are removed, you may lose a few pounds, but the benefits are in losing the stubborn fat.

The number of fat cells in humans varies. The actual number changes very little as you age. When you gain weight, you are feeding the fat cells, and they expand. This causes fat pockets to form in all the wrong places, and they especially like to gather in the specific areas that CoolSculpting treats. The more weight you put on, the more your fat cells expand, but you are not changing the actual number of fat cells you have; that number stays constant.

When you maintain a healthy, nutritious lifestyle with regular exercise, those same fat cells empty out, and you become slimmer and trimmer. When you stop the healthy habits, they expand again, complete with the unwanted bulges, and this yo-yo effect can go on for years.

CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis, which is a scientific word for “freezing fat.” This describes the non-invasive treatment that targets, freezes, and breaks down your fat cells, so they can be permanently eliminated from the body. If you are at or very close to your ideal body weight, but you still have that stubborn, unwanted fat, then you could be an ideal candidate for this treatment process. Now, you can see why the treatment was recently awarded “The Best Fat-Reducing Treatment” by NewBeauty.

What if I Have More Questions?

If you’ve been looking for a way to create more contour and shape in your body and nothing seems to be working, CoolSculpting could be the solution you’ve been looking for! Our fully trained team will be happy to answer your questions concerning the treatment for you personally. During a consultation with one of our compassionate and experienced specialists, you can discuss the procedure, the areas you’d personally like to contour, and other important details, including the number of treatments you may need.

It is our aim at Artful Aesthetics to help all of our clients achieve their individual goals so that they can look and feel their best! Our friendly staff is here for you, so reach out to find out more about this non-surgical, totally safe way to eliminate fat. It could be the perfect option before that special occasion such as a wedding or graduation or simply to find that shapelier, sexier you that you know is hiding inside!

Artful Aesthetics is located in Oakland, CA. Contact us today to set up a consultation and get started!

 

What Does Hair Restoration with PRP Involve?

Posted on by igor.akkerman

If you’re tired of trying everything to stop your hair loss, it’s time to ask our team of professionals at Artful Aesthetics about safe, proven hair restoration with PRP. This may be just the treatment you’ve been looking for to achieve real hair growth and look and feel your best again. But what does the treatment involve? 

What is PRP Hair Restoration?

PRP hair restoration is an exciting new treatment that uses your own blood to help restore your natural, thick, healthy hair. PRP treatments are the alternative to invasive, expensive hair transplant surgeries and medications with unwanted issues and side effects.

What is PRP?

The main ingredient in the treatment is platelet-rich plasma or PRP. This is a natural product of your own blood, and it brings about many benefits. 

Where Does PRP Come From?

PRP comes from your own blood. You may be familiar with the use of plasma in various life-saving medications. PRP contains high levels of growth hormones.

To get PRP, our professional first draws a small amount of blood from your body. The professional then places the blood in a machine known as a centrifuge. This machine separates the plasma from the red and white blood cells.

Using your own blood ensures that your body will accept the PRP without complications or allergic reactions. This is a natural hair restoration option. 

PRP in Beauty Treatments

You may have heard or read about the wonders of PRP as a beauty treatment. PRP is the centerpiece of procedures like the Vampire Facelift. Everyone from celebrities to beauty bloggers have been posting about their experiences getting these treatments.

There is nothing frightening about a treatment that uses PRP. In fact, these treatments have been shown to deliver amazing results. The PRP makes skin strong, healthy and resilient. It enhances the effects of fillers, treatments, serums and skin care products. PRP has proven to have many benefits for skin and overall health.

Proven Medical Value

PRP may be a current trend in cosmetic treatments, but it’s more than just a passing fad. PRP has proven benefits as a potent health booster. Burn medications and medications to ease leukemia symptoms all contain PRP. PRP treatments are popular in orthopedic medicine. Doctors commonly use PRP to help injured bones heal faster. They also use it to ease joint pain.

It Works for Hair and Skin

PRP has proven health benefits. Clinical tests have found that it contains highly potent elements that can increase skin health, boost immunity and speed healing. What does this mean for your hair? PRP can stimulate follicle growth and keep your new hair strong and healthy.

Benefits of PRP Hair Restoration

  • It can help you regrow hair in your bald or thinning patches.
  • It strengthens the hair you already have.
  • It is a safe, FDA-approved treatment.
  • Using your own blood lowers the risk of a negative reaction.
  • It is non-surgical and minimally-invasive.
  • PRP keeps the skin on your scalp strong and healthy.
  • PRP can restore the melanin in your hair.

What Can PRP Hair Restoration Do for You?

Losing your hair may be an inevitable part of aging, but it can also be devastating. Women may find that their hair is thin, brittle and lacking fullness. Men may discover that they are losing their hair entirely or in patches. Hair thinning and hair loss can have negative effects on your self-confidence, social life and feelings about yourself. 

What Works and What Doesn’t

Unfortunately, the devastation of hair loss means that you’ve probably tried a lot of other methods that took your money and didn’t work. There is no shortage of techniques and treatments that claim to restore hair or make it grow again. But do any of them work?

Medication for Hair Loss

The most popular medical treatment for hair loss is Propecia. This medication can work for some people, but it has several disadvantages, including:

  • You must take it for several months before you see any results.
  • There’s no way of knowing ahead of time if it will work for you.
  • You must continue taking the medication after the hair grows in. Otherwise, you’ll lose it again.
  • Propecia may cause or worsen erectile dysfunction in men.

Topical Treatments

You have probably heard of Rogaine. This is a topical treatment that you apply as a lotion or a foam directly to your scalp. It is available over-the-counter. 

Rogaine can work for some people, but it too has some drawbacks, including:

  • You have to use it for 16 weeks before you see any results.
  • You must use it consistently to get and maintain your hair growth.
  • It can cause unwanted hair growth on your neck and face.

Herbal Supplements

Certain herbal and vitamin supplements can help you keep your hair thick and healthy, but they cannot promote new hair growth. If you’re interested in using them, you may already know about some of them, including:

Essential fatty acids:

  • These have shown benefits in keeping hair strong and healthy. 

Biotin:

  • This is a popular supplement that can promote some strength.

Lavender:

  • Some women have had success using lavender essential oils to improve their hair’s thickness. Men should avoid using any products that contain lavender because these have been linked to a higher chance of developing male breast tissue.

Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair transplant surgery can help you grow new hair in the treated areas. But you will have to continue taking Propecia or using Rogaine to encourage the growth of healthy new hair.

Transplants do work, but you must undergo repeated surgeries. In many cases, you will need four to six surgical procedures to get a full head of hair. Transplant surgery won’t work if you don’t have enough of your original hair left to make the transplants. 

Hair Restoration with PRP: The Best Choice

Compared to these other treatments, hair restoration with PRP has several advantages, including:

  • It has no dangerous or unwanted side effects.
  • It requires no set downtime or recovery.
  • It is more affordable than surgery or the long-term use of medications.
  • It has been proven to work.

Clinical Studies Support PRP for Hair Loss

Studies conducted on PRP treatments have found that it worked to grow hair in 61 out of 62 tested patients. These patients were able to grow back almost all of their hair. PRP hair restoration has proven so successful that many hair transplant clinics are now suggesting that their clients try PRP first. It carries lower risks and less discomfort than repeated transplant surgeries.

Will Hair Restoration with PRP Work for You?

Doctors have found that hair restoration with PRP can work to regrow hair. It also helps the hair you have get stronger and healthier. This helps you look as if you have a full, healthy head of hair. 

PRP is more likely to work if:

  • Your hair loss is not due to an illness.
  • You have been losing hair for less than five years.
  • You still have patches of your natural hair left.
  • You combine the PRP treatment with topical medications, scalp massages and/or other secondary treatments.

How Does It Work?

The same factors that make PRP a powerful medical aid also account for its ability to regrow hair. Once it’s inside your skin cells, the PRP activates powerful growth factors inside your cells, skin and hair. 

These growth factors override the dormant nature of “dead” hair follicles and stimulate them to start growing again. Hair loss is linked to high testosterone levels. PRP can block the action of testosterone in the hair follicles to make them keep growing.

The PRP also increases the size of blood vessels in the scalp. This leads to increased blood flow that furthers the growth of healthy hair. 

What is the Procedure Like?

The procedure involves a simple and easy blood draw. After the professional separates the PRP from your blood, the actual procedure begins. During your treatment, the professional injects the PRP directly into the areas of your scalp where you have bald or thin patches. 

Other things to keep in mind include:

  • You will get a topical anesthetic.
  • You can continue your normal activities immediately afterward.
  • You may experience slight redness in the treatment area that fades by the next day.
  • The procedure is performed in the comfort of our office and is designed to be quick and convenient.

How Many Treatments Do You Need?

To achieve the best results, we may recommend getting a series of treatments spaced a set amount of time apart. It will depend on your unique case and the results you are wanting to achieve. 

When Will You See Your Results?

Hair restoration with PRP is not an instant fix. It takes time as the PRP goes to work inside your hair follicles. It could take months before you start seeing hair growth. 

How Long Do the Results Last?

You may need to maintain your results with regular treatments. Our professional can advise you about the best way to keep your new, healthy hair.

Supplemental Treatments

Our professional might also advise you to add treatments that enhance your results. These might include:

  • Topical medication.
  • Daily, gentle scalp massages.
  • Supplements or vitamins that boost hair health.

Make sure to follow our professional’s advice to get the results you want.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

When you take advantage of hair restoration with PRP, you can grow your own hair in a safe, natural way. If you’re interested in learning more about hair restoration with PRP, schedule your consultation at Artful Aesthetics in Oakland. We would be more than happy to evaluate your case and determine if PRP treatment can work for you. Contact us today to book an appointment!

Fade Pesky Fine Lines and Wrinkles with Botox

Posted on by igor.akkerman

There are some people who have always said that they would age gracefully. What they really meant by this is that they would not use cosmetic treatments or procedures in order to alter their appearance and help them to maintain a youthful look. While some people may be completely comfortable with this, what usually happens is that a person will say they want to age gracefully but will feel so unsatisfied with their appearance when dynamic wrinkles start to appear that they desperately look for ways to remove their wrinkles. And when they find out that wrinkles can be treated in a quick, easy, and effective way, they jump on the opportunity. Botox® is a perfect solution for individuals who are interested in saying goodbye to pesky wrinkles.

Not everyone realizes that this product is used for both medical and cosmetic treatments. It was approved by the FDA in 2002 to be used to help individuals who were interested in smoothing away unwanted dynamic wrinkles. It is also used to help individuals who are dealing with migraines, excessive sweating, and other medical issues.

You should know that Botox® treatments are not permanent. This actually makes many first-time users feel comfortable knowing that if they do not like the results, they are not stuck with them forever. When this product is used to treat dynamic wrinkles, the effects usually last for up to four months. By the time the product wears off, a person may decide that they want to have touch up treatments. These treatment sessions are usually short, just 15 minutes or less.

How Does Botox® Work?

It is likely that you have seen some companies advertise this product as something that can erase wrinkles. In most cases this is not accurate. You are not going to come into our clinic with deep dynamic wrinkles, have them pulled from your face, and walk away looking like you are 18 years old. The goal of the treatment is much more preventative than it is restorative. The product will relax the facial muscles, which will stop them from contracting with the same force that they did before the product was injected. This allows the skin that sits on top of those facial muscles to rest as well, which means that deeper wrinkles are likely to be smoothed out. It is likely that fine lines will be erased.

It is most common for individuals to have the muscles around the outer corners of their eyes and on their forehead to be treated. This is where the vast majority of dynamic wrinkles occur. Just think of what are known as crow’s feet. These are the wrinkles that are located at the outer corners of the eyes that come as a result of squinting and smiling. The product can relax these muscles and cause you to look younger.

Do you have what looks like the number 11 or even just a one right in between your eyebrows? You may have had this line for a long time. People may ask you if you are angry or thinking deeply about something even when you feel happy and carefree. Those lines are associated with the aging process and negative emotions. You may be projecting ideas to others without intending to do so. So in addition to helping you look younger, you are going to help your body to show your true feelings as opposed to allowing your wrinkles to say things about you that are not really true.

Botox® as a Preventative Treatment

Many people have been using this product in order to prevent dynamic wrinkles before they even start to appear. The dynamic wrinkles we mentioned above are due to your skin folding time after time. If you can relax the facial muscles before your skin is folded to the point where wrinkles start to show, you can maintain a youthful-looking face. You may be wondering how soon you should start treatments if you want to maintain a youthful face for as long as possible.

If you are starting to see fine lines in areas where older people have a deeper wrinkles, now may be the ideal time for you to begin treatments. In order to qualify for this product, you must be at least 18 years old. Some individuals who are in their mid to late 20s may decide to use this product in order to prevent wrinkles. It is typical for people to begin using this as a preventative treatment at about age 30. 

It is good to mention that more is not always the better option when it comes to using this product. If a person begins to use this product when they are very young and they use it too often, it may lead to their facial muscles weakening. When you visit us for your initial consultation, we can discuss an appropriate time for you to begin using the product.

There are other things that a person will need to think about when it comes to qualifying for the treatment. The youngest a person can be in order to use this product for cosmetic treatments is 18. Individuals who are over 65 years old are not usually good candidates for this product. 

Women who are pregnant are not good candidates for this treatment. If a woman is nursing, she will want to wait until that period of time is over before having these injections.

While it is common to associate using cosmetic treatments with women, men also qualify for these injections. Many men have found that having Botox® injections gives them just what they need in order to renew their self-confidence. It gives them just the edge they need to compete in the workplace or to find a new romantic partner. 

One of the reasons why this treatment is so popular is because of how safe it is. Also, most people out there qualify for treatment. Only individuals who have serious health problems are usually not good candidates. For example, if a person has a serious ailment that affects their nervous or muscular systems, they may not qualify for this treatment. It is good to mention that the skin in the area that will receive treatment needs to be healthy. If a person is dealing with an infection in the area, they will need to allow the skin to heal before the treatment can be performed.

Is This the Right Option for You?

It is normal for a person to feel a little bit nervous about trying a new cosmetic treatment. If you feel a little bit nervous about having Botox® injections, we are here to help. You are warmly invited to contact our office in order to schedule a consultation.

When you meet with us for the first time, you are going to be able to sit down and discuss this treatment with our professionals. An educated member of our team will examine your dynamic wrinkles and ask you questions about your health. Your health is our top priority. 

If it is decided that this is the right option to help you deal with your dynamic wrinkles, the injections can usually be performed as soon as the consultation is over. You should schedule at least 30 minutes for your first visit with us. Many of our clients schedule this session during their lunch break at work. They are able to do this because the sessions are so short and because they do not have to worry about any recovery time after the treatment. 

You can get right back to all normal activities, including going back to work after the treatment is over. You will just need to avoid excessive sun exposure in the first day or two after the treatment. You also need to avoid touching the area a lot during the first couple of days. If you have a bit of swelling or redness where the injections were given, you can use a bit of makeup to cover it. These symptoms will go away soon on their own.

Many of our clients have had great success using these injections along with other cosmetic treatments. For example, many have found that using dermal fillers along with Botox® is a great way to completely rejuvenate their look. Dynamic wrinkles are caused from making facial expressions. Static wrinkles are caused because of the loss of facial volume. Both types of wrinkles can make you look older and less vibrant. You can use these two treatments in order to experience benefits that are similar to a facelift without going through surgery. Dermal fillers are also temporary. They usually only last about six months to a year. We can discuss a good schedule with you for using both treatments if you feel that this is the best way to improve your overall appearance.

We may find that you need a bit more work to achieve your goals than simply using Botox® injections. We have more options available to help our clients look and feel their best. Some of our clients have been using less invasive treatments for years and are not getting the results that they want anymore. In this case a lift procedure or a non-surgical skin tightening treatment may be recommended. Our goal is to examine your skin, listen to your goals, and then set up a treatment plan that can help you.

If you are interested in learning more, please visit Artful Aesthetics in Oakland, CA. We are excited to help individuals who are interested in using Botox® as a preventative treatment as well as a restorative treatment. We would also be happy to tell you about the many other cosmetic treatments we offer. We want to help you refresh your look and say goodbye to those pesky wrinkles for good. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

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