How often should I get Wrinkle Relaxer Treatments?

How to Decide a Treatment Plan that Works for You

A common question asked by patients is how often should I get treated with Botox (Dysport or Xeomin)?

Tip #1 - Your face is Unique, so Is your Prescription

After ten years of examining facial expressions and facial anatomy I have realized each and every face is very unique. Dosing and placement is an art and takes a careful eye and hand. There are different depths to place the needle to avoid diffusion of the medication to other muscles. There are unique muscle attachments for each patient. Also, what is happening in the underlying structures such as the under eye area? Some patients need their muscle tone to prevent puffiness or sagging of tissues.

Tip #2 - You can choose Different areas at each visit

Contrary to the way Botox pharmaceutical reps train new injectors, there is no one formula for every treatment. When I was first trained it was the Botox sales people who sent us trainers to show us (professional providers) how much dosing each patient needed based on a one-sized-fits-all formula. I learned in my first few years that this is not the case and patients not only have unique faces, they also have unique goals for how they want to move their face and how much they budget for these treatments.

Tip #3 - Average time for a Full Dose to wear off is 3-5 months

A full dose for your friend will be different than yours. Why? Well, do you look like your friend? Do you smile as much as she does? Are you the same age? Same sun exposure habits?

We can start with a "full dose" if you can tolerate your muscles being immobile for the first 2-6 weeks. If you'd like a bit more expression then we adjust the dose to a level where your muscle have a tiny bit of strength -- which looks more natural in the crow's feet and upper forehead.

Tip #4 - I Help You Choose your own Adventure

My ultimate goal is developing long term trust and relationships with my patients. I am a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and my value is patients over profit. I do not get paid more if I put more medication in your muscles. I am not a commission based medi-spa. I am a small town, established, clinical practice. I do not discuss per unit pricing so that I can create a treatment plan based on what your face and your budget can handle. And we can do as little as you desire to look as natural as possible. If you have a budget I will artistically place the dose in the area it will have the most natural results for you.

Tip #5 - Taking time at each visit and reassessment is key

Your face is so unique, and so are my skills and care. I make time for my patients so that we can be sure all needs are met. You may start your Botox journey in your 30's, 40's, 50's or 60's. I have different recommendations for each of these decades -- depending on your unique features and budget.

Whether I see you twice a year or four times we will always do what is best for You

I believe you and I are here to care for ourselves and others. We want to be a part of a community that cares for people. I believe when we do the right thing it ripples out in to the community and creates a better world.

Thank you for taking your time to read this. I invite to to ask questions in the comments or let me know if this resonates with you.

Spring Newsletter.

Glasshouse Mountains, Queensland, Family Trip.

Travels

This past November holiday break our family visited friends in Australia (photo above). It was a wonderful experience for us to enjoy summer on the other side of the world while back home it was winter. We are currently researching our next family trip for this Summer.

Changes at LUX

Lux is the most natural aesthetic clinic available in our region. Natural looking injectables has always been my approach, however I find it important to distinguish my clinic practice so that patients can make an informed decision whether they choose this approach as well.

Wrinkle relaxers:

I choose to primarily use Xeomin® because it is the most purified neuromodulator available. Xeomin® contains a different form of botulinum toxin with no accessory proteins. It's these unnecessary proteins which contribute to antibody resistance to the neuromodulator. Xeomin® and Botox® both work to smooth the skin and get rid of frown lines. While they are both comparable in effectiveness, some studies have shown that Xeomin® has a quicker onset of action and a longer duration. The main difference between Xeomin® and Botox® is that Xeomin® contains a “naked” form of botulinum toxin. Unlike Botox®, which contains accessory proteins, Xeomin® is designed to deliver the toxin without any protein additives. This purified structure may help prevent antibody resistance, a growing problem that has been seen with botulinum toxin injections administered over time.

Fillers:

I am offering natural Platelet Rich Fibrin Gel (PRF) and Sculptra Collagen Stimulator. These natural injectables are more biocompatible, pose less adverse risk to the immune system, and also less risk of an unnatural look.

Platelet Rich Fibrin or PRF is a natural way to restore facial volume using your own blood concentrate. No additives are included so your own platelets and stem cells are injected to stimulate collagen. This treatment involves collecting your blood and spinning it down to albumin and PRF. These are mixed to form an injectable gel for collagen stimulation and skin rejuvenation. Results last for up to a year. Cost is $400-$800 per session.

Sculptra is collagen bio-stimulator made out of a material similar to dissolvable sutures. A more natural alternative to the HA gel filler. Sculptra takes 8 weeks for the full effect and requires 2-3 treatments for a full result lasting up to 2 years. Cost is $750-1500 per session. Scheduling Information ...

To book wrinkle relaxer you may access the booking calendar by submitting the form on the home page of the website. There is a waitlist feature that is automated to put you in if someone else cancels.

To book PRF or Sculptra we can do a consultation during your next wrinkle relaxer appointment to evaluate whether this treatment is right for you.

New patients will be admitted to this practice as the waiting list decreases to make space for those with a long term patient relationship at LUX. Much love, Rachel

Current must-haves:

Collagen Elixir daily marine collagen supplement.

Cosmetic Micro-needling for deeper penetration of retinol.

Emotional Re-patterning at Break Method to rewire patterns keeping us stuck.

LUX

Fall Newsletter.

1) What I'm up to ...

I did it!! I completed the trail half marathon called the Mendocino Running Festival on September 10th. It took me a really long time for a half marathon: 2 hours and 5o minutes. I don't mind at all because my goal was to complete it. This was one of the most beautiful and difficult experiences I've ever had. I found it beautiful because the redwoods on the coast are so magical to spend time in. This run was one where you find yourself alone a lot of the time to contemplate the magic. And I found it difficult because there was so much elevation gain I found it faster to hike than run for much of the uphill portion.

I have continued to volunteer for Break Method: The School for Sustainable Self Mastery and have been offered to train to be a facilitator for their online Restoring Generations Program for helping families with teens. If you ever feel like talking more about Break I am always interested in chatting about my experience and why it might be helpful for you too. I also do 15 minute discovery calls for Break Method (here’s the link to schedule).

2) Seasonal Skincare ...

Fall season is all about maintaining your skin barrier as the weather shifts from hot to cool. Gentle cleansing and applying moisturizer shortly after washing will help maintain hydration. Those with dry skin types will want to choose a richer daytime moisturizer. Please message me if you'd like to pick up a richer moisturizer like Obagi Hydrate Luxe ($74).

This season is a great time to consider procedures with some downtime like a ZO 3 Step Peel ($250) or an Intense Pulse Light Laser (IPL). Both of these help to remove brown spots from a long hot summer. If you have a darker skin tone or a tan you will want to consider a series of chemical peels and or topical skin lighteners instead of the (IPL) laser. In addition to hyperpigmentation (brown spots), IPL laser also targets redness (broken capillaries). If IPL laser ($800 on average) is something you are interested in I can give you safe recommendations in Santa Rosa and further south.

Many of my clients have been asking for a collagen supplement that actually works and I finally found one called Collagen Elixir by Isagenix. This Marine based type I collagen maintains potency because it is packaged quickly in individual servings to avoid oxidation. Just like with topical skincare, airtight packaging matters so that you don't break down the active ingredients you are investing in. Many of the supplements we buy oxidize immediately after we open them and expose them to air so we actually ingesting inactive products. Marine collagen is known for supporting skin type I collagen and is also more bioavailable than the cheaper bovine type II collagen used for bone broth and more suitable for joints. Five grams twice a day is recommended to start, if you'd like to use less often you can reduce to one per day. Be sure to take before pictures so that we can see the difference as soon as 30 days (or one skin cell cycle). If you purchase this through me you will also be supporting a team of women who are focused on natural health.

Here's a link button below to request more information about my recommended Collagen Elixir:

ORDER Collagen Elixir

3) Scheduling information for services at LUX ...

Fall is a time of many school events and Thanksgiving vacation. I continue to adjust my schedule to accommodate family and vacation time. I have shifted from booking months ahead to 2-3 weeks at a time. Too many cancellations and last minute requests to reschedule have made my non-clinic time much busier so I am hoping the 2-3 week blocks will work better for everyone. I have created an appointment reminder to be emailed 2 weeks before your next treatment dosing to help you get on the website to book within the following 2-3 week window. I open my calendar to you privately by emailing you a temporary link with the request that you commit a $100 (deposit toward the day you book) to block my schedule. This is because I am so small and I am promising to be there so I need you to do the same if we block the appointment for you.

Typically 3-6 months is a good window to keep up your wrinkle relaxer results. I don't recommend wrinkle relaxer to those 35 and under because there is so much collagen and elastin in the skin to prevent static wrinkles. Dermal Filler re-treatment is typically dependent on the amount you already have in place and the area treated.

Consider adding my recommended high quality collagen supplement Collagen Elixir by Isagenix to increase collagen production in the dermis to thicken and strengthen your skin as you continue aging. A high quality collagen supplement may help you spread out wrinkle relaxers to twice a year or longer possibly even helping you wean off of injectables as some of my clients have done.

Thank you and I hope your fall season is wonderful!

Love,

Rachel