SNA Aesthetics

Most people turn to fillers when they want to add volume to their cheeks for a youthful look, however, there is a variety of other benefits to getting filler. Depending on the filler base, an injection may be able to complete the basic task of smoothing out wrinkles or it could treat acne scarring.

Juvederm
Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid (HA) based dermal filler. HA is a natural substance found in the body that keeps your skin hydrated by attracting water to the area where it is injected.
Juvederm is typically injected deeper into the skin than other fillers, hence it is better for treating more severe wrinkles and folds. Juvederm can also be injected into the lips to sculpt the desired pout.
Side effects include redness, swelling, and bruising. These side effects are common and should go away within 2-14 days. The results are seen immediately and typically last between 1-2 years ranging from person to person. There is no recovery time, however, extensive heat and strenuous exercise must be avoided for 24-48 hours.

Belotero
Belotero is also an HA-based filler, however, there are a few differences from Juvederm.
Due to a lower density, Belotero is usually inserted superficially, so it is a better option for finer lines and wrinkles. Belotero can be used for facial contouring, cheekbone enhancement, and as a lip filler.
Belotero results are also seen immediately, however they usually last between 6-18 months. The side effects are similar to those of Juvederm and usually go away on their own in under 7 days. Just like when receiving Juvederm treatment, it is important to avoid heat and strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours.

Radiesse
Radiesse is a Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) based filler meaning it is a collagen stimulator. Unlike Belotero and Juvederm, Radiesse helps stimulate the production of collagen even after Radiesse is absorbed by the body. Radiesse is best for filling deeper wrinkles and adding volume in areas where it has been lost. Radiesse is particularly favored for lifting and tightening the skin particularly around the mouth and nose. Unlike fillers mentioned before Radiesse can also be used to smooth wrinkles on hands.
Radiesse is often pre-mixed with lidocaine, a numbing cream, for an almost painless experience.
It is important to note that Radiesse has a thicker composition and is not recommended for people with thinner skin.

Bellafill
Bellafill is a gel filler consisting of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and is the only filler approved by the FDA that lasts up to five years. Like Radiesse this is a collagen-stimulating filler, however, PMMA can not be absorbed by the body making Bellafill a permanent filler. The body generates collagen that merges with the microspheres, so while immediate results can be seen the skin actually continues to rejuvenate over time.
Collagen is what gives skin its elasticity, so Bellafill is recommended for people who are noticing that their skin is beginning to sag.
Bellafill can accomplish the tasks of other fillers, but it is also the only filler that can treat scarring and acne scarring.

In the end, it is recommended to speak to your physician before getting any injections. Any allergies should be mentioned in advance as that may affect which filler is best for you.

What if there was a filler that continued to rejuvenate the skin as long as five years after the initial injection?

What is Bellafill?
Bellafill is a collagen-based dermal filler. Collagen is the protein that is responsible for the structure of the skin. As the body ages and begins to produce less collagen, the skin begins to lose elasticity and starts to sag. Immediate effects can be seen when Bellafill replenishes the skin with collagen. Even after dissolving the filler leaves space for the body to create collagen on its own.

What Does Bellafill Treat?
There are many uses for the filler.
– Correction of nose bumps
– Correct under-eye bags
– Filling scars including acne scars
– Contour the cheeks
– Erasing smile lines
– Improves wrinkles

Bellafill vs Other Fillers
Typically, a dermal filler lasts between 6-12 months. Most dermal fillers are temporary because of their hyaluronic acid (HA) base. HA is a substance that is also naturally produced by your body. This substance attracts water to keep your skin moist. Once the HA filler dissolves, the skin returns to its previous state and will need more injections for upkeep.

What are the Side Effects?
Before administering Bellafill the patient must undergo a skin test to determine whether they will experience any adverse side effects from the filler. The majority only experiences temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, and bruising at the treatment site.

At SNA Aesthetics we offer many skin rejuvenating procedures such as Morpheus8 and Forma that are radiofrequency treatment alternatives to facelifts.

How does Radiofrequency work?
Using energy waves the procedure heats the deep layers of your skin and as a result, the heat stimulates collagen. Collagen is the protein that keeps the skin looking youthful and firm. As people get older their body begins to produce less collagen and the skin begins to sag. Radiofrequency is a highly effective treatment because it jump-starts the production of collagen.

What are the side effects of Radiofrequency?
While the procedures are minimally invasive and have virtually no downtime some people may experience swelling, redness, and tingling. However, these side effects are temporary and should go away on their own within a couple of hours to a few days.

“Am I a candidate?”
Radiofrequency is a safe treatment for tightening all skin types, however, it is best to see a specialist for a consultation.

What areas can be treated with Radiofrequency?
Radiofrequency procedures can help reduce wrinkles on the forehead, tighten cheeks, and rejuvenate the face, however, they can also tighten skin on the body. Some other areas are the neck, abdomen, thighs, and arms. Each area needs to be treated with a different temperature because the skin may be thinner in different locations.

Types of Radiofrequency Procedures
Forma is a non-invasive facial remodeling procedure. As with most radiofrequency treatments, Forma is compatible with all skin types reducing wrinkles, stretching, and cellulite and sculpting the treated area.

SNAaesthetics recommends opting for Morpheus8, a procedure that combines radiofrequency and microneedling for the ultimate skin tightening results. In addition to treating the skin issues listed above Morpheus8 can treat acne scarring.

Both radiofrequency treatments can be used in combination with other treatments such as filler.

MYTH
BOTOX MAKES YOU LOOK “FROZEN”

Botox is a neurotoxin which means Botox temporarily relaxes your muscles by attaching itself to nerve endings and preventing muscle contractions. It is important to have Botox administered by a specialist because over-Botoxing can relax the face too much and create unwanted results.

FACT
BOTOX IS NOT PAINFUL

Although, it is important to consider a person’s threshold for pain the majority of patients only feel mild discomfort. People often refrain from the procedure because of an assumption that Botox is painful. If that is the only factor holding someone back then they can rest assured it will only feel like a pinch.

MYTH
BOTOX BUILDS UP IN THE BODY OVERTIME

Botox blocks the receptors between the nerve endings and the muscles. This blockade is what prevents muscle movement. In about 3-6 months depending on the client’s metabolism, activity level, and depending on the area being treated the body will create new receptors and the muscles will regain their usual ability to move.

FACT
BOTOX IS NOT ONLY FOR BEAUTY

While Botox is mostly associated with smoothing out wrinkles there are actually many other uses for the injection. Botox can lift eyebrows, soften the jawline and fill in chin dimples. In addition, most people associate Botox with beauty, as a result, they overlook the medical benefits of Botox. Since Botox blocks nerve signals and relaxes muscles it can be used to stop excessive sweating, lessen TMJ symptoms, stop eye twitching, and aid in bladder dysfunction.

MYTH
BOTOX IS IMMEDIATE

Oftentimes clients panic when they don’t see immediate results the morning after they receive a Botox treatment. While the results of Botox are gratifying they are not instantaneous because the body needs time to react to the Botox that was injected. A difference can be seen in about 3-5 days, while full results will only appear in 7-14 days.

FACT
BOTOX MINIMIZES NEW WRINKLES

It is best not to wait until wrinkles form to start Botox treatments. Waiting for deeper wrinkles and fine lines may actually make it more difficult to smooth the skin out. Preventative Botox is much more practical as it will keep new wrinkles from forming by relaxing wrinkle-causing muscle activity.

The pout has been popularized in recent years by celebrities like Kylie Jenner leaving women everywhere desiring more defined and luscious lips. Although, lip filler is common and one of our most popular treatments we still receive a lot of questions. To help our clients understand the procedure a little better we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions.

WHAT IS LIP FILLER EXACTLY?
Lip filler can add volume, correct or define the lips shape, and smooth out wrinkles around the lips. The most highly-rated lip filler is a Hyaluronic Acid (HA) based injection. HA is a substance naturally found in the body that attracts water, therefore, it usually has the best results. Some benefits of choosing HA filler for your lips include less bruising, easily dissolving bumps, and better control over lip volume. 

HOW LONG DO LIP INJECTIONS LAST?
After 6-12 months your body will naturally metabolize the HA in the fillers and your lips will slowly return to their previous state. To maintain the desired pout it is recommended to do the procedure regularly.

WHAT ARE NORMAL SIDE EFFECTS?
Lip injections are a minimally invasive procedure, so the side effects are also minimal. Initially, there might be bleeding at the injection sights. In the next couple of days, you may notice swelling, bruising, tenderness, and itching. These are all normal side effects and should not alarm you as they last 3-14 days.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID BEFORE LIP INJECTIONS?
Avoid blood-thinning medication such as Aspirin and do not consume alcohol 2-3 days before the procedure. A couple of days in advance keep away from waxing, tweezing, or bleaching the hair around your lip. It is also best to come in with a clean makeup-free face on the day of the procedure.

WHAT ARE SOME AFTERCARE TIPS?
Remember to stay hydrated. To prevent swelling and bruising apply an ice pack. Strenuous exercise within the next 24-48 hours, as well as high temperatures such as in saunas, can result in additional bruising.

HOW DOES LIP FILLER MAKE MY LIPS FEEL?
At first, due to the swelling, your lips may feel way bigger than the pout you asked for. However, we assure you that the swelling will go down and the sensation in your lips will return to normal. After filler, your lips should feel smooth. If there are any lumps try gently massaging the area to spread the filler. However, if you notice that the lumps seem abnormal and are not going away on their own please contact us.

The easiest way to explain the difference between fillers and Botox- filler is used to fill in tissue where volume has been lost while Botox is most commonly used to soften wrinkles and lines.

Botox only works on wrinkles that are a result of muscle movement. Most commonly it is used for the forehead and around the eyes to treat dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles develop because of our facial expressions. For example, frowning can cause an “11” wrinkle between the eyebrows.

Meanwhile, fillers work on static wrinkles that are caused by a loss of collagen. Once the body slows the production of collagen the skin loses its elasticity and begins to sag. Static wrinkles are most commonly located around the mouth and along the cheeks. Filler can fill in or soften these wrinkles, as well as scars or shallow areas of the face.

Other key differences to consider are how long before noticeable changes can be seen and how long results last. However, these time frames will vary from person to person. To find out which injection is a better fit for YOU book a consultation with Dr. Yatskar!

With the increasing popularity of aesthetic treatments, looking like your best self is easier than ever! 💋

However, we have to take into account that we are all built differently. Achieving the perfect pout may take .5cc of filler for some and 2cc for others. Features start at varying sizes and our bodies metabolize hyaluronic fillers differently – so while somebody with naturally full lips may get their desired result after one treatment, another may require a slow build up of product over multiple sessions as their lips adjust.

It’s important to remember that cosmetic treatments are meant to enhance your already beautiful face, not change who you are! 🌟 And we all evolve at a different pace 🏃‍♂️

Check out the before/after below to see how the look of lip fillers can change after the second treatment! Stunning injections done by @rachelrubinpa

Before

After

Did you know that in many different cultures around the globe, a prominent nose is viewed as strength, stature, and even sensuality? Noses are having their moment and they’ll continue to do so, as long as we have flowers to smell!

This is one of the many reasons to consider a non-surgical, nose filler rhinoplasty instead of a surgical rhinoplasty. While a true rhinoplasty is an invasive procedure that alters the shape of one’s nose by cutting away at it, fillers make it possible to enhance while retaining the natural essence.

Wow! Here is our lovely patient only a few minutes after her first Morpheus8 treatment. Check out the contour of her jaw. Usually, it takes a few weeks and at least a couple of sessions to see substantial results. However, here we can see a subtle tightening effect on the cheeks, jowls, and jawline almost immediately!

A haircut frames the face and  the bone structure. Similarly, lips frame the smile. 👄 Lips can carry different expressions, moods, feelings, depending on their shape! 😊
Here, our beautiful patient opted for one syringe of Belotero hyaluronic acid filler to rejuvenate her smile. Check her results! 💗