Beauty

QUIZ: Which JUVÉDERM® Product Is Right for You?

There’s a JUVDERM® product for just about everyone. At our Sacramento-area med spas, our providers take great pride in selecting the perfect fit for every person we treat, from those looking for anti-aging solutions to those who want to take their natural look to new heights. Choosing the perfect dermal filler is all about understanding your natural anatomy and envisioning the results you’re looking to achieve.

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While a consultation with a trained injector is always the best way to find your fit, we put together this quick quiz to help you get an idea of which product may be right for you.

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When you’re ready to explore your filler options with one of our injectors, request a consultation online or give us a call at (916) 245-3567. For your convenience, we offer dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM® at our Roseville, Sacramento, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and Elk Grove med spas.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

Your filler fund has reached its goal, you’ve picked out the best injector near you, and now you’re finally ready to hit the treatment chair and bring your dream version of yourself to life. But there’s one question you still need answered (the very question that probably brought you to this blog post!): How long can I expect my dermal filler results to last?

Our injectors have the answer! Read on to learn everything you need to know about your filler timeline, from what affects your look’s longevity to how often you can expect to be back for touch-ups.

How Long Will My Dermal Filler Results Last?

Filler results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the product. Here’s a quick look at how long you can generally expect your results to last. Keep in mind every person’s experience is unique—more on that later.

Filler	Approximate Results Timeline
JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC & JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC	12 months
JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA® XC	12 months
JUVÉDERM VOLLURE ® XC	12 to 18 months
JUVÉDERM VOLUMA XC®	24 months
Restylane® Refyne & Restylane® Defyne	12 months
Restylane-L®	5 to 7 months
Radiesse®	12 months
Sculptra® Aesthetic	24+ months

Not sure which formulation is right for you? Take our quiz!

Why Do Dermal Fillers Wear Off Over Time?

When your volume starts to gradually fade, it’s because your body is metabolizing the filler’s hyaluronic acid (HA) and harmlessly reabsorbing the water content. With non-HA fillers like Sculptra® Aesthetic, your body’s boosted production of collagen is slowing down, and you’re no longer producing extra volume.

In both cases, the process happens gradually over the course of several months. You won’t be left with juicy lips one day and a pencil-thin pout the next. You also won’t lose any natural volume you had initially, so you won’t have to worry about your features looking thinner or flatter than they were before.

What Affects the Longevity of Dermal Fillers?

Three main factors affect how long your fillers last:

• Your metabolism: The faster your body metabolizes things, the quicker your fillers will dissolve.
• Your filler formulation and volume: As mentioned above, different fillers have different expected lifespans. The more viscous the filler, the longer it will take for your body to break it down.
• Your treated area: Fillers dissolve faster in areas with lots of movement. For example, the fillers in your lips will probably fade more quickly than the fillers in your tear troughs.

How To Make Filler Results Last Longer

There’s not much you can do to extend your filler results other than following up with maintenance treatments. Our metabolism and natural facial movements aren’t exactly in our control.

You can, however, follow your injector’s recommendations for which fillers to use in which areas. Softer fillers such as VOLBELLA® are flexible enough to move with your lips, whereas firmer fillers such as VOLUMA® hold a bone structure-like shape even as they start to break down. This will give you a bit more mileage out of your results. (But mostly, it’ll buy you some time to schedule your next touch-up!)

My Fillers Haven’t Fully Faded Yet. Can I Still Get a Touch-Up?

Yes! You don’t have to wait for them to wear off—you can always add volume. That’s one of the reasons we recommend erring on the subtle side if you’re new to fillers.

It’s not uncommon for people to get maintenance treatments about halfway through their fillers’ lifespan when they notice a decline in volume. For most people, this adds up to about 2 treatments a year.

Do I Have To Wait for My Fillers To Dissolve, or Can I Have Them Reversed?

You can have your HA fillers (JUVÉDERM® and Restylane®) dissolved at any time with an injection of an enzyme called hyaluronidase. It works within just days, and injectors should always have it on hand in the rare case you experience a complication and need your fillers gone stat. Hyaluronidase hit the spotlight in 2018 when Kylie Jenner spoke up about having her lip fillers dissolved in favor of a subtler look.

You can’t have Sculptra® dissolved, but it’s rare for people to have a sudden change of heart after these injections. It takes several sessions for most people to build up their ideal results, so it’s easy to stop before you overdo it and feel the need to hit rewind.

Of course, our injectors go above and beyond to prevent any post-injection regrets by talking with you in-depth about your goals, walking you through each step of the process, and making sure you leave our office feeling amazing about the way you look.

Let’s Get Started

Want to learn more about dermal filler timelines? Get in touch by calling (916) 245-3567 or requesting a consultation online. Our experienced dermal filler specialists are happy to meet with you at our El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, Folsom, Roseville, and Sacramento, CA, locations.

CoolSculpting® Elite vs. CoolTone®: Which Is Right for You?

Wondering what the difference is between CoolSculpting® Elite and CoolTone®? Not sure which option will make your dream body a reality? We’re here to help! Both of these nonsurgical body contouring treatments have gained national acclaim for their ability to sculpt, slim, and shape. They make looking and feeling phenomenal easier than ever—but one may be better for certain candidates than the other.

Read on to get all the details about how these treatments compare in terms of what they treat, how they work, how much they cost, and what they can do for your body confidence.

What Is CoolSculpting® Elite?

CoolSculpting® Elite is a nonsurgical fat reduction treatment that freezes and destroys fat cells in targeted areas.

What It Treats

CoolSculpting® Elite treats stubborn pockets of fat that resist your best diet and exercise efforts. Some people call these their “problem areas” or “trouble spots.” They’re typically pinchable and present even when your weight fluctuates. They include:

• Chin (“double chin”)
• Upper arms
• Back (“bra fat”)
• Upper and lower abdomen
• Inner and outer thighs
• Flanks and hips (“love handles” or “muffin top”)
• Below the buttocks (“banana roll”)
• Distal Knee

To see real examples of results, visit our CoolSculpting® Elite before-and-after photo gallery.

How It Works

There’s a reason this treatment is known for “freezing the fat.” It really does! CoolSculpting® Elite drops targeted fat cells to a low enough temperature that they freeze. This process, called cryolipolysis, causes the cells to die, allowing your body to naturally flush them out for good.

What Is CoolTone®?

Manufactured by the same company that makes CoolSculpting® Elite, CoolTone® is a nonsurgical muscle toning treatment that stimulates muscle contractions to build, define, and strengthen muscle.

What It Treats

CoolTone® targets muscles in the:

• Abdomen
• Buttock
• Thighs

The results can help you break through a fitness plateau or get back up to speed after time away from the gym. Our amazing client, Erica, chose the treatment to help her feel swimsuit-ready after missing workouts due to a knee injury. She was kind enough to share her story (and her stunning before-and-after photos) in this blog post.

See more examples of results in our CoolTone® before-and-after photo gallery.

How It Works

Just like CoolSculpting® Elite, CoolTone® is completely noninvasive and doesn’t require a single needle poke or incision. It works through active magnetic pulse (AMP™) technology, which stimulates deep and rapid muscle contractions in your targeted area. This creates the same results you would get from working these muscles in the gym—just much, much faster and more effectively.

How Much Do CoolSculpting® Elite and CoolTone® Cost?

The costs of CoolSculpting® Elite and CoolTone® are fairly comparable at our Sacramento-area med spas. As RealSelf reports, CoolSculpting® Elite typically costs a bit more but requires fewer treatments to see results. Costs also vary depending on the size and number of areas you’re looking to treat. When you come in for a consultation, we’ll talk through your expected costs with you so there are no surprises.

You should also know you have options for fitting your treatment into any budget! Take a look at third-party financing options such as CareCredit®, which break up your costs into affordable monthly payments. We also regularly offer specials on these and more of your favorite treatments, so keep an eye out!

How Does Recovery Time Compare?

Both CoolSculpting® Elite and CoolTone® involve little to no recovery, and you can return to your usual routine right after your treatment. Expect to feel some skin sensitivity after CoolSculpting® Elite and lingering muscle soreness after CoolTone®. These symptoms typically fade quickly and shouldn’t interfere with your daily activities.

Which Treatment Should I Get?

Ultimately, the right treatment for you depends on your goals:

• CoolSculpting® Elite is best for fat reduction. If your primary goal is to slim down stubborn, pinchable pockets of fat, this approach is your best bet. This treatment is popular with people who are looking to finally reduce frustrating bumps or bulges and achieve the look they’ve been working hard for.
• CoolTone® is best for muscle toning and strengthening. If you’re happy with your shape overall but want to boost your muscle definition and take your workouts to new levels, CoolTone® is the way to go.

Can I Get Both CoolSculpting® Elite & CoolTone®?

You absolutely can! It’s a fantastic way to get the full body contouring package. Reducing fat with CoolSculpting® Elite reveals the new muscle definition you achieve with CoolTone®. The result is a slimmer and more sculpted figure with an extra boost of strength that helps you truly look and feel your best.

When you come in for a consultation, your body contouring specialist will talk through both options with you and recommend a personalized treatment schedule to bring your dream body to life.

Discover a Cool New You

Want to learn more about nonsurgical body contouring? Request a consultation online or give us a call at (916) 245-8680. Our CoolSculpting® Elite and CoolTone® specialists are ready to meet with you at our locations in Elk Grove, Roseville, and Sacramento, CA.

How To Prepare For Laser Hair Removal

To prepare for the hot, Northern California summer, it’s time to get on the phone and schedule your laser hair removal appointment at Destination Aesthetics Folsom. 

Now is the best time to start treatments to ensure your skin is smooth, hair-free and ready for shorts and taking trips to the beach.

Our Folsom location offers laser hair removal services to address unwanted hair on your body. Treatment with laser energy means you can finally ditch the razors (and razor burn) and waxing strips and still achieve that smooth-looking skin.

Corinne Petterson, Physician Assistant in our Folsom office, says laser hair removal is great for people who get razor burn, ingrown hairs, or have dark facial hair.

“I barely shave my underarms and my hair is so thin,” explains Corrine. “ I no longer get itchy and irritating ingrown hairs. Honestly, I wish I did it a long time ago.”

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigments in the hair follicle, heating each one to destroy the structure. Once the hair follicle is damaged, it will no longer support hair growth.

“You will notice as your treatments continue, the hair follicle becoming thinner, and more patches growing back until it’s fully gone!” says Registered Nurse, Savannah Barnhill. 

In order to get optimal results from your laser hair removal sessions, there are some things you can do to prepare:

• Laser treatments work great on dark-colored hair. If you have pale or blonde hair, you can still undergo treatment, but it may not be as effective.

• In the weeks before your hair removal treatments, you need to stop waxing. For the laser treatment to be successful, the hair root, which waxing removes, needs to be intact.

• To remove hair, you can continue shaving, including on the day of your laser hair removal appointment, as too much hair can also interfere with treatment.

Savannah says you should shave the day before, or even the day of, for best results and treatment.

• If you spend time in the sun or use a tanning bed, you should stop before your hair removal treatment.

• Some medications, such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatories, can interfere with your laser treatment. Be sure to bring a list of medications you take to give to your provider during your consultation.

Corinne says the list of medications includes no photosensitive drugs, no Accutane taken in last year, no recent antibiotics in the two weeks leading up to your treatment, and stop using  Vitamin C, Retinoin, Tretinoin, Hydroquinone, AHA/BHA at least one week before your appointment.

If you’re ready to finally get rid of unwanted body hair, schedule a consultation for laser hair removal today. You can call the office, or text us at 916-461-8001.

Jaw BOTOX®: Everything You Need To Know About TMJ Treatment, Jawline Slimming & More

Most people know and love BOTOX® Cosmetic for its ability to smooth away unwanted lines and wrinkles. But this treatment has a few extra tricks up its sleeve, especially when it comes to the jaw. At Destination Aesthetics™, we use BOTOX® to slim the jawline and even minimize symptoms of a common condition called TMJ.

In this blog post, we’re answering your questions about how jawline BOTOX can transform both your comfort and your confidence. Read on for the details!

How Does BOTOX® Jawline Slimming Work?

Have you ever heard of the masseter muscle? It runs from near your cheekbone down to the bottom of your jaw on either side, and it’s responsible for chewing, talking, and most other jaw movements. Like any other muscle, it can become overdeveloped over time, bulking out the sides of your jaw and giving your face a square, more masculine shape.

When injected directly into the masseter muscle, BOTOX® causes it to relax. With repeated treatments, the muscle weakens, slimming down some of that bulking.

How Many BOTOX® Units Will I Need In My Masseter?

This can vary from person to person, depending on the size of your muscle and how your jawline responds to the BOTOX®. For our Folsom, Roseville, and Sacramento-area clients, we’ll often start with 20 to 40 units on each side and wait a couple of weeks to assess the results before injecting additional units as needed.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ technically refers to the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull. However, it’s often used interchangeably with temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a condition in which tension in the jaw causes symptoms ranging from mild jaw pain to some pretty intense headaches. It’s often a stress-related issue, although we don’t know the exact cause for sure.

Can BOTOX® Really Treat TMJ?

One important expectation to set is that BOTOX® can’t cure TMJ altogether. However, it is an excellent way to manage symptoms. One study found that 91% of people experienced a significant reduction in jaw pain after being treated with BOTOX®. It’s just one of the injectable’s many surprising uses, which you can learn more about in this blog post.

How Does BOTOX® for TMJ Work?

TMJ treatment and jawline slimming go hand-in-hand. This treatment is also done by injecting the masseter muscle and encouraging your jaw to relax rather than clench. You’ll enjoy the best results if you keep up with regular treatments every 3 to 4 months.

We also recommend working with your dentist to treat the source of your TMJ, which may mean adjusting certain lifestyle factors and addressing other related conditions—teeth grinding (bruxism) is a big one.

How Much Does Masseter BOTOX® Cost?

BOTOX is priced by the unit, so the cost of your jaw BOTOX treatment depends on the number of units injected. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to consult with an injector one-on-one about your personal treatment plan. At Destination Aesthetics™, we always detail your expected costs for you before moving forward with your treatment so that there are no surprises.

Have Questions?

Want to learn more about jawline slimming and TMJ treatment with masseter BOTOX? Our injectors can’t wait to answer your questions! Request a consultation online or call (916) 245-3567 to get in touch. You can find our med spas in El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, Folsom, Roseville, and Sacramento, CA.