Frequently
Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your appointment — treatment info, prep, recovery, and what to expect along the way. Browse by service category to find answers quickly.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your appointment — treatment info, prep, recovery, and what to expect along the way. Browse by service category to find answers quickly.
• What is neurotoxin and how does it work?
Neurotoxin temporarily relaxes targeted muscles. By softening muscle movement, it reduces the appearance of wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions (like frowning or squinting), resulting in smoother, more refreshed-looking skin.
• What areas can neurotoxin treat?
Neurotoxin is most commonly used for the forehead lines, frown lines (the “11s” between the brows), and crow’s feet around the eyes. It can also be used in other areas such as a lip flip, chin dimpling, jawline slimming (masseter), neck bands, and for concerns like excessive sweating.
• When should I start getting tox?
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20s: Used to prevent wrinkles from forming. A good idea if you have an expressive face to avoid lines from becoming permanent.
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30s: You may have some wrinkles now, but they are likely not deep yet. Collagen production is starting to slow down. Tox can still be preventative at this point or help soften the lines that are there.
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40s +: Wrinkles are deeper and harsher. Injections are used as treatment rather than prevention
• Does Botox hurt?
Most clients describe tox as a quick pinch. The needles used are very small, and discomfort is minimal and brief.
• How long does the appointment take?
The treatment itself usually takes about 10–15 minutes. If it’s your first visit, allow extra time for consultation and personalized treatment planning.
• How often do I need tox?
It depends on your age, wrinkle severity, muscle strength, and the dose used.
Most people get injections every 3-4 months.
• When will I see results?
Results start around 3–5 days, but you will see the full effect in about 2 weeks.
• How long does it last?
Results can vary based on the individual and the dose administered—higher doses typically last longer. Most patients begin to notice the effects wearing off around 6 weeks, with full return of movement usually by 3–4 months. However, metabolism plays a role, so in some individuals it may last closer to 3 months, while in others it can last up to 5 months.
• What should I avoid before and after treatment?
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Before treatment, it’s best to avoid alcohol, blood thinners (like aspirin or ibuprofen), and certain supplements for 24 hours if possible to minimize bruising.
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After treatment, avoid lying down for 4 hours, strenuous exercise for the rest of the day, and excessive heat (saunas, hot yoga) for 24 hours.
• Lip Flip vs Lip Filler
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Lip Flip: Uses tox to relax the muscle in the upper lip. The flip of the top lip gives the illusion of a fuller lip. Results are seen in 1-2 weeks and last 6-8 weeks.
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Lip Filler: Uses filler to add volume to lips. Improves shape and symmetry. Results are seen immediately and can last over a year
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• What is lip filler made of?
Most lip fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally found in the body that helps retain moisture and create volume. HA fillers are soft, flexible, and reversible, making them ideal for the lips.
• What does lip filler do?
Lip filler enhances the shape, structure, and volume of the lips. It can define the border, improve symmetry, restore lost volume, and create a fuller yet natural-looking appearance.
• Does lip filler hurt?
Most fillers contain lidocaine (a numbing agent), and we also use topical numbing to keep you comfortable. You may feel pressure and pinching, but the procedure is generally tolerable.
• Will my lips be swollen after?
Yes—swelling is expected after lip filler and is part of the normal healing process. Lips may appear fuller than the final result initially. The swelling gradually improves over 1-2 weeks.
• What should I avoid before and after treatment?
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Before treatment, avoid alcohol, blood thinners, and certain supplements (like fish oil or vitamin E) for 24 hours if possible to reduce bruising.
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After treatment, avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat, and touching or massaging the lips for 48 hours unless instructed otherwise.
• How long does lip filler last?
Lip filler typically lasts about 6–12 months, depending on the product used, your metabolism, and lifestyle factors. Some clients may notice results lasting longer or shorter.
• Can I build my lips gradually over time?
Yes! I always recommend this. Gradual treatments allow for more control, natural-looking results, and proper tissue adaptation.
• Can lip filler be dissolved?
Yes—hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed.
• Can I get lip filler if I have cold sores?
If you have an active cold sore, treatment should be postponed. If you have a history of cold sores, preventative antiviral medication may be recommended.
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• What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels—most commonly made of hyaluronic acid (a substance naturally found in the body)—used to restore volume, enhance facial contours, and soften lines.
• What areas can be treated with filler?
The areas I treat with dermal fillers are cheeks, lips, chin, jawline, smile lines (nasolabial folds), and marionette lines.
• Does filler hurt?
Most fillers contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort, and we also use topical numbing when appropriate. You may feel pressure or a mild pinch, but treatments are generally well tolerated.
• What should I avoid before and after treatment?
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Before treatment, avoid alcohol, blood thinners (like aspirin/ibuprofen), and certain supplements for 24 hours if possible to reduce bruising.
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After treatment, avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat, and touching the area for 24 hours unless instructed otherwise.
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• What is a VI Peel?
The VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel that improves skin tone, texture, and clarity. It works by gently exfoliating the top layers of skin and stimulating collagen production, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath.
• What concerns does a VI Peel treat?
VI Peels are effective for acne, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, melasma, fine lines, and uneven skin texture.
• Does a VI Peel hurt?
Most clients experience a mild tingling or warm sensation during application, but the treatment is generally very tolerable and quick.
• When does peeling start and how long does it last?
Peeling typically begins around day 2–3 and lasts about 3–5 days. The full healing process is usually complete within about a week.
• When will I see results?
You’ll start to notice improvement once peeling is complete, with smoother and brighter skin visible within about 7 days. Results continue to improve over time as collagen production is stimulated.
• How many treatments will I need?
Some clients see great results after one peel, but a series of 3 treatments is often recommended for concerns like acne, pigmentation, or scarring.
• What should I avoid after a VI Peel?
Avoid sun exposure, excessive sweating, heat (like saunas or hot yoga), and active skincare ingredients (retinoids, exfoliants) until your skin has fully healed. Do not pick or peel the skin.
• When can I wear makeup again?
Most clients can resume wearing makeup once peeling has finished, typically around day 5–7.
• Do I need to stay out of the sun?
Yes! SPF is essential. Day 1-7 is the most important to avoid direct sunlight, days 7-14 you can be outside more often but sunscreen application is so important!
• What is microneedling with SkinPen?
Microneedling with SkinPen is a minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates your body’s natural healing response, boosting collagen and elastin production for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
• What does microneedling treat?
Microneedling can improve:
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Fine lines and wrinkles
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Acne scars and other types of scarring
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Enlarged pores
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Uneven skin tone and texture
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Hyperpigmentation
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Stretch marks
• Does microneedling hurt?
Most patients tolerate the procedure very well. A topical numbing cream is applied beforehand to minimize discomfort, but you still may feel a light prickling sensation during treatment.
• What is the downtime?
You’ll experience redness similar to a sunburn for 24–72 hours. Some clients also notice slight swelling or dryness as the skin heals.
• When will I see results?
You may notice an initial glow within a few days, but the most significant results develop over several weeks as collagen production increases. Optimal results typically appear after a series of 3 treatments.
• What should I avoid after treatment?
After microneedling, avoid direct sun exposure for up to 72 hours, makeup for 24 hours, sweating/exercise for 24 hours, harsh skincare products (retinoids, acids) for several days
• What is PDGF and how is it used with microneedling?
PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) is a powerful growth factor that helps stimulate cell repair, collagen production, and tissue regeneration. When applied during microneedling, the microchannels created by the SkinPen allow PDGF to penetrate deeper into the skin, enhancing the overall rejuvenation process.
• What are the benefits of adding PDGF to microneedling?
Adding PDGF can:
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Accelerate healing and reduce downtime
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Boost collagen and elastin production
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Improve skin texture and tone more effectively
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Enhance results for fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars
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