As we all know with any invasive procedure, there is a certain amount of discomfort that is to be expected.  For those that are concerned with the degree of discomfort, there are several options that will lessen any anxiety.

First, the syringes/needles used for these procedures are very small.  Patients receiving Botox injections do well with or without icepacks.  We offer icepacks for comfort as this helps to numb the area quickly and effectively.  Some prefer not to use ice because the coldness is more uncomfortable than the procedure itself.

Read About All Celibre's Facial Shaping Techniques

Learn more about the Celibre los Angeles Restylane injection program at www.celibre.com/restylane.aspx. 

Schedule a FREE consultation for Los Angeles Restylane treatment at www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

Los Angeles Restylane injections for dark circles under the eyes. 

More Restylane Los Angeles patient before and after pictures at www.celibre.com/restylaneba.aspx.

Filler procedures (examples: Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane) tend to be more uncomfortable because the product is more viscous (thicker) than the Botox Cosmetic.  Most patients report that it is the placement of the product (hyaluronic acid) that causes the discomfort more so than the actual injection.  The area being treated will make a big difference in the level of discomfort one may experience with the lips and mouth area being the most sensitive.  At Celibre Medical, it is our practice is to utilize a triple, compounded numbing cream in addition to icepacks to lessen the discomfort.

We believe in being advocates for our patients by being very mindful of the need for appropriate comfort measures when injecting Botox, Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane.  Above all else, technique is the most important factor in making certain that anxiety/discomfort is kept to a minimum.   Keep in mind that the discomfort is very short-lived, and patients continue to come in on a regular basis for their treatments.  We are convinced that patients will immediately see that the benefits will outweigh the memory of any temporary discomfort.  Never hesitate to share any concerns or questions that you have with your injection specialist.  Your Los Angeles Botox, Restylane, Juvederm or Perlane injector should be willing to take the time to discuss discomfort and take the measures necessary to make sure you can be comfortable when getting your injections done.

Lori Haney, RN, MEP-C

Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer 

The term "facial rejuvenation" is becoming more popular because there are so many treatments being offered that claim to offer this.  Rejuvenation of the face invovles texture improvement, resolution of facial discoloration (brown/red), pore size reduction, skin tightening, and improvement of fine lines and wrinkles.  The practice of aesthetics allows for all of these concerns to be addressed without undergoing a traditional surgical procedure.  There is the concept of the Three R's that capture the goals of rejuvenation:  Relaxing, Refilling, and Resurfacing. 

The Celibre Medical Orange County Laser Resurfacing Program, www.celibre.com/micropeel.aspx.

Relaxing hyperactive muscles with the use of Botox Cosmetic will soften fine lines/wrinkles if not resolving them completely.   It is the repetitive contraction of facial muscles that create wrinkles to the eye area, around the mouth, the forehead, and between the eyebrows (frown lines).  Botox Cosmetic is also used to soften a "pebble chin" or to correct a mouth frown wherein the corners of the mouth are turned down.  Undergoing rejuvenation with other modalities is a step forward but unless the underlying problem that is leading to wrinkles is corrected (ex: muscle activity) one may not see long-term results.

Read About All Celibre's Facial Shaping Techniques

Contact celibre Medical in Los Angeles and Orange County for a free consultation regarding laser resurfacing procedures, www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

Facial rejuvenation using laser and injection treatments.  Los Angeles Laser Resurfacing for facial rejuvenation.

Refilling deep wrinkles and folds of the face using hyaluronic acid fillers (ex: Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane) is an excellent way to resolve the deeper lines that cannot be resolved with Botox.  The most common area wherein fillers are used is the nasolabial folds which are referred to as laugh or smile lines.  Fillers work by adding volume in a very natural, appealing way.  Fillers are used to augment and define the mouth area, add support and smoothing to the lower mouth and chin area (marionette lines), and to add volume to the hallow areas of the cheeks.  The concept with fillers is to focus on shaping the face rather than just filling lines and wrinkles.  Oftentimes as we age, we see the mid-face area change.  The common complaint is "my face is falling!"   By restoring volume to the upper cheeks and filling the tear trough area (area below lower lid and orbital rim), the shape of the mid-face is improved to a more youthful appearance.  The outcome is subtle yet appealing.

More before and after photos of Los Angeles laser Resurfacing Patients, www.celibre.com/micropeelba.aspx.

Laser Resurfacing and facial rejuvenation refers to improving the texture and pigmentation (color) of the skin by using lasers, chemical peels, appropriate skin care products, etc.  In our practice, we utilize the Erbium MicroLaserPeel which works by removing the outermost layer of the skin while stimulating collagen remodeling in the dermis below the surface of the skin.   Although there are many, many modalities that are being offered that claim to achieve these goals, we have found that the Erbium MicroLaserPeel is "tried and true" with consistent, predictable outcomes.  We also utilize non-ablative lasers (no downtime involved) that are efficient in addressing pigmentation concerns as well as stimulating collagen remodeling.

There is no one particular treatment plan that is appropriate for all.  We believe that the best treatment plan is one that sets realistic expectations, attempts to over-deliver on those expectations, is mindful of the patient's goals, concerns, and lifestyle.  Not all patients are candidates for a traditional face lift when the issue is restoring volume.  For the same reason, the above modalities may not be effective if the patient presents with much laxity (sagging) of the skin and would be best served with surgical intervention.  However, it is always in one's best interest to know what their options are while doing their research.  http://www.celibre.com/wrinkles.aspx or http://www.celibre.com/sunspots.aspx.