When you look in the mirror lately, do you see more wrinkles than you remember? Are lines starting to become more pronounced on your forehead or around your eyes, nose, or mouth? These are common challenges that come with the aging of the skin. Fortunately, you don’t have to do something drastic like a facelift. Modern medicine has given us much gentler choices for those who want a non-surgical option. That’s why Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA is proud to offer Juvederm for the reduction of facial lines and adding volume to the skin, lips, and cheeks.

What Is Juvederm?

This dermal filler works by adding volume to the skin. The filler’s active ingredient is a naturally-occurring substance called hyaluronic acid. That’s why these types of fillers are often referred to as “hyaluronic acid fillers” or “HA fillers”. They work by replenishing the skin’s ideal levels of hyaluronic acid. This lends fullness to the lower levels of the skin. When the HA levels are restored, the wrinkles and lines on the surface are reduced, achieving a youthful, vibrant look.

Why Does My Skin Need Hyaluronic Acid?

As our skin matures, it loses several of the key elements that keep it looking young. It often starts to suffer a decrease in its natural reserves of hyaluronic acid.

This chemical is used for several functions in the skin, but the most important feature is that it binds to water. This results in skin that is more hydrated. When we start to lose our hyaluronic acid, the skin keeps less total water underneath, which can cause visible volume loss. Fortunately, this is also something that we can treat when we use the right kind of dermal filler.

Benefits of Juvederm Treatments

There are many significant advantages to using a hyaluronic acid filler. There are a number of reasons this has been such a popular filler, used by millions of Americans every year.

It Is Non-Surgical

First of all, you won’t have to undergo a surgical operation. There are no incisions as part of the process. For many people, the idea of a facelift or a similar treatment option is overwhelming, or perhaps it’s not even possible for medical reasons. They might want to reduce the wrinkles on their skin, but a surgical operation is just not the right choice for them. Hyaluronic acid fillers will reduce these wrinkles without ever having to worry about surgery.

It Delivers Real, Tangible Results

Every year, over two million Americans get this treatment. Many of them get it multiple times or in multiple areas because they are pleased with the results and know that it is something they can rely on. It has an extremely high satisfaction rating and any risks are considered to be very low.

It Is a Low-Risk Treatment

Why is this considered a low-risk treatment? There are a few reasons. For one thing, it has been around since 2006 when it was first approved by the FDA. It has been used many times, which means that it is not a new or experimental treatment by any means. It has a proven track record.

Another reason this is so low-risk is that it relies on a natural substance as its active ingredient. Because your body already contains hyaluronic acid, it is much less likely to suffer an allergic reaction or reject the injection by identifying it as a “strange or foreign substance.”

It Delivers Natural-Looking Results

Much of the volume that comes from a hyaluronic acid treatment actually comes from your own body. When the filler is injected, it binds to the water in your skin. This supplies much of the added volume, and this is why it looks less like a filler and more like natural, well-hydrated skin.

It Works Quickly

This is one of the main advantages of hyaluronic acid fillers. They work much faster than collagen-inducing injectables. Although collagen-focused treatments can produce great results, they usually need six months to achieve their full potential. Hyaluronic acid fillers usually show their ideal results after two weeks. If you are aiming to get results fast, this is the treatment for you.

It Can Be an Alternative to Other Injectables, Like Neurotoxins

This filler can be a great option when other injectables start to wear off or lose their effectiveness. Sometimes patients notice that their Botox treatments no longer work quite as well as they used to. In these cases, a hyaluronic acid filler can deliver a higher level of satisfaction than the neurotoxin Botox or its cousins Xeomin and Dysport. Some people combine treatments, occasionally using neurotoxins for issues on the upper part of the face (like frown lines) and hyaluronic acid fillers for the mouth and nose areas.

It Lasts for a Long Time

This injectable will last in your skin for anywhere from one to two years, depending on the treatment area and the specific type used. This is a huge advantage, as it is one of the longest-lasting treatments on the market. Almost all injectables require some sort of maintenance or follow-up treatment in order to keep the results looking fresh. In this case, you can wait longer between these periodic maintenance treatments, which saves you both time and money in the long run.

It Doesn’t Take Long to Administer

In many cases, we are able to complete an injection session in only 20 minutes. Sometimes it will take longer if there are multiple treatment areas. Still, the experience is meant to be extremely easy and low-hassle, and even longer sessions are over in 40 minutes to an hour.

It Includes Lidocaine as an Anesthetic

The injection includes its own local anesthetic called lidocaine. This is part of the formula, and it is injected into the patient at the same time as the filler in order to reduce the potential discomfort. At our office, we also offer a numbing cream which can be administered 30 minutes ahead of time, if you desire. This will require patients to come into the office a little earlier, but it is one extra option to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible.

It Requires Very Little Preparation

While surgeries and other treatments may require lengthy and complicated preparations, you will not have to do very much when it comes to this filler. We advise patients to avoid aspirin and NSAIDs painkillers that can sometimes thin the bloodstream because this leads to complications during the injection. Our staff will make sure you have all the details on how to prepare for a session, but these requirements are very simple for the majority of patients.

It Doesn’t Require Any Downtime

After your session is finished, you will be able to resume your life without having to undergo a lengthy recovery process. You will not need to stay somewhere overnight or take a week off work. Many patients work on the same day as their treatment.

It Has a Minimal Impact on Your Daily Life

There are very few restrictions on your activities after you get treatment. After a session, it is necessary for patients to avoid alcohol for 24 hours. It is also important to avoid any additional skin treatments or overexposure to the sun or heat. For this reason, sunbathing, tanning, and saunas are usually best after a 48-hour waiting period. Still, in general, there are very few restrictions that are required as a result of getting a hyaluronic acid filler.

It Can Deliver Consistent, Long-Term Results

Over time, most dermal fillers will lose their effectiveness and begin to fade. With this treatment, your body will start to absorb the hyaluronic acid into your skin, and the results will start to diminish as well. However, the filler lasts for one or two years, and it is possible to lengthen the lifespan of that treatment much, much longer.

When you get maintenance treatments, you will often find that less of the filler is needed, and you can achieve amazing results for years after your first session. There are a number of types of Juvederm that are designed to target different treatment areas. The longevity of your treatment results will depend on the specific type you use.

It Can Plump and Smooth Lips

One of these specific types is called Volbella. Volbella is used primarily for the lips and the lines that appear around the mouth. Are you seeing your lips lose volume or appear thinner with the passage of time? If so, Volbella can re-volumize your lips and give you renewed fullness. Reclaim a plump and pleasing shape to your lips with Volbella. You’ll see positive results for a year after treatment.

It Can Add Volume to Cheeks

Are you finding that your cheeks are beginning to thin or give off a hollow look? Another type of filler that can treat this is called Voluma, which restores volume to the cheeks. It can be used to contour and refine the shape of the apple of your cheek or fill the hollow areas.

Voluma works deep in the lower skin layers of your cheeks and has a deeper injection length. For this reason, it also will provide the longest-lasting results of any of these fillers. You can continue to see excellent results for two years after your first injection of Voluma.

It Can Fill Challenging Nasolabial Folds

When it comes to correcting Nasolabial folds (also known as parenthesis lines), you can get great results with Vollure. Vollure is a balanced form of the filler that is designed for moderate to severe facial folds and will soften the appearance of lines around the mouth. The filler will continue to last for roughly 18 months after the injection session.

Are You a Candidate?

Because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin, these fillers are suitable for almost anyone. They will work with just about any patient or skin type. For reasons of safety, there are only a few exceptions. Treatment is not recommended for anyone who is currently pregnant or breastfeeding. In addition, it is not advised for anyone who has an allergic reaction to lidocaine, as this is a part of the formula used during the injection.

For almost all other patients, it can restore volume to whatever area of your facial skin that is currently a concern. To make sure that the treatment is right for you, our staff will meet you for an aesthetic consultation where we discuss your goals, medical history, and set a plan for treatment.

Get Started With Juvederm: Your Personal Consultation

Are you ready to eliminate your unwanted wrinkles and lines, and experience the benefits of vibrant, youthful skin? Taking the first step is easy! Simply contact Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA for your personal consultation and start your journey today!

For some of us, aging can be a process so slow we don’t even realize our appearance has changed until one day we look in the mirror and notice lines on our face that had not been there before. Unfortunately, short of plastic surgery, there haven’t been very many treatment options that produce long-lasting results until recently. At the dermatology practice of Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA we believe that the key to long-lasting beauty results is with Bellafill dermal injections.

Does Bellafill Really Last for Five Years?

Yes! Bellafill really does last for five years at a time for the majority of patients. In fact, the longevity of this treatment is usually the most attractive benefit for patients who are considering this filler. Clinical trials and experience since then all say the same thing: this treatment reliably and effectively reduces the appearance of visible aging on the face for an average of four to five years for most patients. The treatment itself is fast, painless, and has virtually zero downtime.

What Is Bellafill?

Bellafill is a dermal filler, a type of injectable cosmetic treatment that involves injecting a solution into the skin to reverse the visible signs of aging. Injectable treatments can either be fillers that replace lost volume or neurotoxins that relax the muscles in the face to smooth out the skin surface. Most injectable treatments last for an average of three to five months, so the fact that this particular filler can last five years is incredibly special.

How Does It Work?

This filler works like many other injectable treatments. You come into the office for a treatment appointment and a certified technician administers the injectable solution with thin needles to targeted areas. The real difference between this filler and other fillers is the formula of the solution, which is a unique, patented blend of two active ingredients.

Why Does It Last So Long?

A filler that lasts five years has to have something special about it, and that is certainly true in the case of this injectable treatment. The solution in this treatment is composed of two parts: collagen gel and PMMA microspheres suspended in the gel. Both of these ingredients work with the natural regenerative properties of the body, helping to support and sustain the treatment for a longer period of time.

Collagen Gel

As you may know, collagen is a naturally occurring protein found within the skin that supports skin structure and volume. However, as we age, our ability to produce collagen slows to a point where we begin to lose volume in the skin, which is what allows wrinkles to form. Many dermal fillers have a solution that includes collagen or other compounds that stimulate collagen production.

This filler uses a smooth, rich collagen gel that immediately plumps the appearance of the skin. The collagen gel both replaces collagen that is not produced in the body and helps support collagen that is already present in the skin. The collagen gel is eventually absorbed by the body, usually within a year, but results from this filler still continue. Why? Credit for that goes to the second active ingredient in this filler.

PMMA Microspheres

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres are a synthetic compound. In this filler, PMMA acts as structural support for the skin, like scaffolding for a building, working to hold up the skin and fill in lost volume. PMMA takes several years to be metabolized by the body, which is a large part of why this treatment lasts so long. PMMA is safe for the body and is even used in sunscreens.

Apart, neither collagen gel or PMMA can produce results that last more than six months at a time. When combined, these two ingredients support each other to stimulate collagen production, which allows you to enjoy results for years before you need another treatment.

What It Treats

As a general rule, dermal fillers are an anti-aging treatment, and this is true for this particular filler, as well. This injectable treatment is approved to treat mild-to-moderate age-related skin concerns, such as:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Expression lines
• Volume loss in mid-face
• Hollows beneath eyes and cheeks

This filler is also the only injectable treatment that is approved to reduce the appearance of mild and moderate acne scarring, particularly scarring on the cheeks. This filler can reduce the appearance of scarring because it fills in the lost volume that creates the appearance of pitted skin texture. Additionally, this treatment can be used off-label to restore the appearance of the hands.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment

Since cosmetic treatments are a big commitment, most patients like to know what they can expect from every stage of treatment. At the dermatology office of Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD there are a few steps involved in any of our dermal filler treatments.

Consultation

Your first appointment will be a consultation, during which we will determine if you are an ideal candidate for this treatment. We will examine the condition of your skin, particularly any nasolabial folds or scarring, discuss your expectations for treatment, and talk about your aesthetic goals.

We will need to gather some information about you, including general medical history, drug allergies you may have, previous dermal filler treatments, and how prone your skin is to scarring. We may ask that you complete an allergy test, which is standard practice for dermal filler treatments.

Pre-Treatment

Before your treatment, you will need to follow some instructions to make sure your treatment is safe and produces optimal results. Some pre-treatment instructions will include:

• Stop blood-thinning medications
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco for 48 hours
• Do not eat certain foods or use certain products

If you have a cold sore on the week of your appointment, please contact our office so we can prescribe an antibiotic for you to use before your appointment. You will not need to arrange for transportation after your treatment.

Treatment

At our office, the use of a numbing cream is optional. If you would like to use a topical numbing cream for your treatment, please arrive at your appointment 30 minutes early so we have time to administer the cream before the injections. For the treatment itself, we will inject the solution into targeted treatment areas outlined in your treatment plan. Your appointment should take between 30 and 60 minutes from start to finish.

Post-Treatment

After your treatment, it is important you follow certain instructions to ensure that your treatment produces ideal results. A few post-treatment instructions will include:

• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours
• No strenuous exercise for 48 to 72 hours
• Avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight
• Do not touch the treatment area
• Stop taking certain medications
• Use sun protection

We may provide you with additional instructions, such as how to reduce swelling after treatment or what kind of skincare products you should be using. If you have any questions about post-treatment instructions, please feel free to call the office at any time.

Recovery

Most dermal fillers require three to seven days to settle into the skin, and that is when results from treatment begin to show. For this filler, the recovery time is between seven and 10 days, which is when any swelling and redness to the skin should disappear completely. During recovery, it is important to follow the post-treatment instructions for your own comfort and for the protection of your skin. You will notice more obvious results within two to four weeks after treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bellafill Better Than Other Fillers?

While “better” is subjective, many patients seem to agree that this particular filler produces better results than some others. The truth is that the efficacy of results for dermal fillers tends to depend on the patient and how well the patient responds to treatment. This filler is a better option for patients who are looking for long-lasting results.

Is This Filler Right for Everyone?

This filler is a treatment that can be used on virtually any skin type and skin tone, as well as for most skin conditions. This treatment is versatile and can be used for patients with mild, moderate, and sometimes severe age-related skin concerns.

Is Bellafill Safe?

This dermal filler was approved by the FDA in 2015 following rigorous five-year studies to verify the longevity and safety of the product. This treatment has a low risk of allergic reactions. Overall, this is a safe treatment for patients who pass the allergy test for the active ingredients in the filler.

When Should I Have This Treatment?

Some patients wonder if there is a point in their life when this treatment is most effective. The simple answer is that this filler can be used for any patient over the age of 18 for the treatment of acne scars, volume loss, and other age-related appearance concerns. However, the majority of patients who use this treatment are between the ages of 30 and 50. You should have this treatment when you notice visible signs of aging or if you want to reduce the appearance of acne scarring.

Is There a Best Time for This Treatment?

It is sometimes the case that cosmetic treatments are best done during certain times of the year. For example, energy-based treatments like laser resurfacing should be done when sun exposure is minimal, such as during the fall and winter months. However, dermal fillers can be done at any time of the year, provided you have enough recovery time before a planned life event. If you do have a major life event, we recommend scheduling your treatment appointment at least two months before the event date to allow time for results to settle.

Who Are Good Candidates?

There are many good candidates for this treatment. The vast majority of patients who are considering this dermal filler are qualified candidates. Women and men who are not satisfied with their overall appearance and who want to reverse visible signs of aging usually make the best candidates. You may be a good candidate for this treatment if you want to reduce:

• Smile lines
• Wrinkles around the mouth and nose
• Lines around the chin
• Lost volume in the mid-face
• Acne scarring

 

Get Long-Lasting Beauty With Bellafill!

Don’t let signs of visible aging creep up on you. It’s time to get long-lasting results and restore your beauty with Bellafill! If you think you may be a good candidate for this unique dermal filler, call the office of Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA to schedule your consultation appointment today!

Tattoos were once considered permanent. Today, PicoWay lasers are changing all that, along with thousands of unwanted tattoos! Gone are the days when you had to worry about the safety and effectiveness of laser tattoo removal. At Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA, we are tattoo removal experts. Read on, and we will shed some light on how PicoWay lasers can help you get rid of your unwanted tattoo.

What Is Laser Tattoo Removal?

Laser tattoo removal is the use of laser beams of various wavelengths to target areas of the skin that have unwanted ink. It has been considered the best means of removing tattoos for decades, and the science has benefited greatly from numerous technological advances. Today, 89% of people who choose to remove a tattoo say that they feel they made a good decision. Referring specifically to the PicoWay process, 100% of users on RealSelf.com said the treatment worked out well for them.

12 Facts About Picoway Lasers and Tattoo Removal

1. Picoway Lasers Are the Safest and Most Effective Removal Option

To understand why Picoway lasers are such an important innovation, it is important to understand how tattoo removal works. The ink of your unwanted tattoo is deep in the dermis of your skin. The dermis is the second layer of your skin. It is below the first layer, which is called the epidermis. When you choose to remove a tattoo with lasers, the beams go beyond the surface level and into the dermis where they fracture the ink into small particles that your body can absorb.

Picoway lasers are special because they emit wavelengths in picoseconds. A picosecond equals one trillionth of a second! This wavelength is powerful enough to blast the ink in your tattoo while being short enough to spare your surrounding tissue from being damaged. That’s some good science! Older kinds of lasers emitted longer wavelengths that were less precise.

2. Picoway Lasers Mobilize Your Dermal Macrophages

What are dermal macrophages? They make up part of your immune system, and they are responsible for clearing your skin of toxins and foreign elements.

Tattoos stay in your body despite your immune system’s best efforts because while your macrophages can absorb the ink, they cannot let it go.

Older lasers were not as effective at removing tattoos because when one macrophage was shattered, the ink that was released was simply absorbed by other macrophages. Older technology was not able to get around this problem. Today, PicoWay lasers can blast ink molecules into pieces so small your macrophages can finally get them out of your system. This new technology works with your body and not against it.

3. Tattoos Are Becoming More Popular; and So Is Tattoo Removal

You are certainly not alone if you want to remove one or more of your tattoos. According to a tattoo research survey conducted by Dalia Research in 2018, 40% of adults age 26 to 40 have at least one tattoo. With the stigma against tattoos becoming less and less strong, more and more people are choosing to get inked. Tattoos are now popular among people of every ethnicity, gender, age, and other demographics.

Statistically, 1 in 5 people who choose to get a tattoo will regret their choice. It is normal to wish you could undo your tattoo. Many people got their ink done when they were in their teens or early twenties, only to find that their tastes evolved over time. Regardless of the age you were when you got a tattoo, designs that served your sense of aesthetics once might not suit your style anymore.

4. PicoWay Lasers Can Treat All Ink Colors

When it comes to tattoos, some colors are easier to remove than others. Blues and blacks do not pose a big problem, but greens and pastel shades can be difficult to clear. Counterintuitively, lighter colors are tougher than darker ones. Not to worry! The PicaWay laser can handle the full spectrum of ink color. This is especially good news now that pastel colored tattoos are becoming more popular.

5. PicoWay Lasers Are Safe for All Skin Types

With older forms of tattoo removal, people with darker complexions were more at risk for side effects than lighter-skinned people. Fortunately, the PicoWay laser is FDA approved, specifically designed for cosmetic use, and safe for people of all skin types.

6. Before PicoWay Lasers, There Were Continuous Beam and Q-Switch Lasers

The history of tattoo removal shows that progress towards safe and effective techniques happened slowly but steadily. Before the 1990s, continuous beam lasers delivered wavelengths that were longer. They succeeded in removing a lot of unwanted ink, but they also damaged great amounts of surrounding skin tissue in the process. Back then, getting a tattoo removed was a decision that merited careful, painful deliberation.

Later on, Q-Switch lasers came into play. They offered shorter pulses of light that could eliminate tattoo ink more effectively and with less damage. PicoWay lasers take these improvements even further, offering more complete, risk-free tattoo removal than has ever been possible before.

7. Before Lasers, Tattoo Removal Methods Were Questionable

Looking back even further into the history of tattoo removal, we find some strange practices. Dermabrasion, the application of acid, salabrasion (rubbing the body with salt), skin grafts, excision, and surgical techniques have all been practiced. People have even tried injecting their skin with lemon juice! These approaches ranged from fairly effective to not effective at all, with a host of unwanted consequences.

Fortunately, the time for considering strange and inadvisable methods of tattoo removal has passed! Technology has officially caught up with our desire to get rid of tattoo ink in a way that is safe and permanent.

8. PicoWay Lasers Can Be Used on Tattoos That Are Partially Removed

Do you have the remnants of a tattoo that was partially removed? If you tried an older method of tattoo removal with results that were less than ideal, you can try again with PicoWay lasers. PicoWay lasers can pick up the slack of previous attempts and get rid of your tattoo more completely. Why live with a lot of tattoo residue when you could enjoy clearer skin?

PicoWay can be especially beneficial when a tattoo was only partially removed due to the fact that previous methods could not address certain ink colors. PicoWay lasers are effective against a broader spectrum of color and can remove areas of the old tattoo that were left behind before.

9. PicoWay Can Provide a Clean Canvas if Your Tattoo Will Be Altered

If you have a tattoo that you would like to revise (as opposed to remove), a talented tattoo artist can update your art. Many people who have a tattoo just want to change its design, either by modifying symbols to better reflect who they are or by enhancing the art for a greater aesthetic effect. If you still like the idea of having a tattoo but wish it were different, altering it could be a good choice for you.

If you choose to alter a tattoo, you want the work to look clean, as if it were an original as opposed to a modification. Most likely, you want to avoid the look of ink on ink. PicoWay lasers can eliminate aspects of the original tattoo that you don’t like. Afterwards, your tattoo artist will have more available canvas to create a design you love.

10. PicoWay Lasers Are Less Likely to Result in Scarring Than Other Methods

The process of tattoo removal does not need to be traumatic for your skin. We all know that getting a tattoo is painful, and living with a tattoo that you don’t like is painful in another way. PicoWay lasers were designed to minimize the stress they put on your body. The treatment is non-invasive and will not affect the tissue surrounding your tattoo. While other methods of tattoo removal can leave scars instead of clear skin, PicoWay lasers are the safest means of saying goodbye to ink.

11. There Is No Down Time With PicoWay

After getting tattoo removal with PicoWay lasers, you can resume normal activities the same day. This includes going back to work.

12. Fun Fact: Many Celebrities Have Opted for Tattoo Removal

If it weren’t for tattoo removal, we’d be seeing more ink on the red carpet. The most famous case involved Angelina Jolie. She previously had a tattoo on her left arm with the name of her ex, Billy Bob. After getting this tattoo removed, she replaced it with a different tattoo listing the coordinates that mark the birthplaces of her children. Other celebrities that have chosen to remove tattoos include Heidi Klum, Mark Wahlberg, 50 Cent, and Johnny Depp.

The Importance of Being Comfortable With Your Body

Your appearance is undeniably an expression of you. You choose everything from your clothes to your accessories to the color of your hair. You may even spend time at the gym achieving your perfect form. For many people, an unwanted tattoo is an interruption to their positive outward portrayal of self. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be. With today’s technology, you can take control over your appearance, including your tattoos.

If you are uncomfortable wearing short sleeves, backless dresses, or shorts because you don’t want to show an unwanted tattoo, PicoWay lasers can provide a solution. They can take the stress out of getting dressed in the morning, planning clothes for a vacation, or choosing outfits for special events. After you get an unwanted tattoo removed, you can be proud of your body instead of feeling like you have something to hide.

Get a Fresh Start With Laser Tattoo Removal

When your tastes have evolved beyond the look of your old tattoo, it’s a good time to consider tattoo removal. If you feel a tattoo is preventing your outer image from reflecting how you feel on the inside, PicoWay lasers can remedy the situation. If you have a tattoo you regret, there’s no need to live with it forever.

PicoWay lasers are the safest and most effective means of removing your tattoo. They outperform all older technologies, including continuous beam lasers and even Q-Switch lasers. Unlike skin grafts and other invasive measures, they do minimal damage to your skin with the least risk of scarring.

Whether you want to clear canvas for a tattoo revision, polish up a past attempt to remove your tattoo, or simply get rid of an image that you don’t like anymore, laser tattoo removal with PicoWay lasers can update your appearance to best reflect your truest self. Contact Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA for more information on laser tattoo removal. We are happy to help you say goodbye to unwanted tattoos for good.

Do you notice your lips beginning to show signs of aging? Are you unsatisfied with the shape or volume of your current lips? Have you always wanted fuller, more noticeable lips? If so, lip injections could be the perfect treatment for you to achieve the lips you’ve always wanted. These injections offer you a variety of filler options and can help you create your perfect shape, volume, and appearance in one easy step. They’re an excellent solution to common cosmetic concerns affecting your lips and are proudly offered by Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA.

What Are Lip Injections?

Lip injections are designed to increase the overall volume of your lips, typically according to your ideal image and appearance goals. They can consist of multiple substances, including hyaluronic acid, fat, and implants, and are injected into multiple points in your upper and lower lip to achieve an even, fuller appearance. Injections are highly customizable, which means that you can treat one lip or both lips, build volume over time, or correct unevenness by injecting filler into one section.

It’s always advisable to select only FDA-approved fillers and to seek the expertise of a trained doctor when considering and pursuing this treatment to achieve the best results.

Types of Injections

Botox, which has been one of the most popular dermal fillers since its invention, is a common option for those seeking injections. It’s commonly used to define the upper lip, providing volume and a smooth outline. Juvederm is a dermal filler with a base of hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in our bodies. It’s used to plump lips and is often combined with injections in other parts of your face to achieve a more youthful appearance.

Another common choice for injections is Restylane Silk, which uses micro-hyaluronic acid molecules to create natural-looking volume in your lips. It can even address fine lines around your mouth. There are many more options for lip fillers available today. It’s important to discuss your expectations with your doctor so that they can recommend the treatments which will help you reach your lip goals.

Benefits

Our lips can be a source of insecurity during any stage of life. Aging can cause our lips to lose shape and volume and create wrinkles on and around our lips. Thin or undefined lips can affect your confidence when you look in the mirror. Lip fillers can help address these common concerns and more by giving your lips the boost they need to look their best.

These treatments are safe, effective, and offer immediate results that will make you feel more like yourself and let you stop worrying about your lips to focus on the important things in life.

How Do They Work?

Injections are administered in a one-step, single-appointment treatment, making them convenient for every schedule. Once you decide you’re ready to learn more, it’s time to start the process by scheduling a consultation appointment with your doctor.

Consultation

Your consultation is designed to let your doctor evaluate your lips and your ideal results. This will help them offer you the best lip filler option. In addition, a consultation allows your doctor to explain what to expect from this treatment in detail.

You’ll be able to describe exactly how you want your lips to look after treatment, including shape, size, and volume, and your doctor will let you know how the treatment they recommend will help reach these results. You can ask any questions you may have during this appointment and should leave feeling prepared for your treatment appointment.

Preparation

During your consultation, your doctor will give you any specific instructions to follow as you prepare for your appointment. These often include avoiding blood-thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E, as well as alcohol, beginning 10 days before your appointment. This helps reduce your risk of bruising or bleeding.

In addition, if you are prone to cold sores, your doctor may instruct you to take preventative medicine a few days before your treatment to prevent a flare-up. Drink plenty of water and avoid irritating your lips with harsh scrubs for a few days before your appointment.

In addition, you should keep your lips moisturized with lip balm to prevent chapping or cracking of the skin. Finally, if you notice any open wound on your lip within two days before your appointment, let your doctor know in case you need to postpone your treatment until your skin has healed.

Treatment

On the day of your appointment, clean your lips and avoid putting any product or lipstick on before heading to your doctor’s office. You can have injections performed without any painkiller, but most patients opt to have their doctor apply a numbing cream approximately 30 minutes before injections.

Once your lips are cleaned and numb, your doctor will begin injecting the filler, following the shape you requested during your consultation. With your lips numbed, you should only feel a small pinch, if anything, and the entire appointment will be nearly pain-free.

The injection portion of the appointment normally takes between 15-30 minutes, but can take longer if you’re treating other areas of your face. In total, your entire appointment will take less than an hour. Once your doctor is finished, you’ll get to see your reflection and should notice an instant improvement in the appearance of your lips. They may appear larger than you expected, but this is due to swelling which will subside over the next few days.

Recovery

You may see some mild bruising and experience sensitivity as your lips heal. Your doctor will probably instruct you to ice your lips to decrease discomfort and swelling. They may also prescribe you a mild painkiller if needed. Avoid wearing lip products for about a day to let your lips begin the healing process, and don’t scrub or rub your lips to avoid disturbing the filler as it settles.

You should plan to skip your workout for 24 hours after treatment to keep swelling down. You’ll see swelling reduce drastically over the first day, but it can take 3-5 days before your lips are back to normal and you can see your final result.

Your lips should look and feel smooth, plump, and natural, and there should be no residual discomfort, redness, or swelling. You’ll feel beautiful, and others will likely comment on how good you look.

Results

When your final results are visible, you should feel completely satisfied with your new, natural-looking lips. Thanks to the advanced technology and techniques used when injecting lips today, your lips should feel natural to the touch with no lumps or bumps. The shape should be defined and symmetrical. Once your lips have healed, no one will be able to tell that your lips aren’t totally natural.

If you and your doctor designed a treatment plan which will build your lip volume over time, you’ll return for your next appointment several weeks later. However, if you simply want to maintain your results, you can expect to have 4-6 months to enjoy your lips before you’ll need a touch-up.

3 Things You Need to Know About Lip Injections

When you’re debating whether to use lip fillers, there are many questions you want to be answered before you schedule your appointment. The best resource is your doctor, who can explain the pros and cons of each filler, outline the treatment, and give you important information about how this particular treatment could address your concerns. However, here are 3 things you need to know about lip injections before you call:

Injections Can Last a Long Time

Most patients choose dermal fillers which are designed to be temporary, giving you all the flexibility you need to keep your lips looking the way you want them to look. Using temporary options greatly reduces your risk of fillers shifting and other complications that accompany permanent fillers. In addition, temporary fillers like Juvaderm and Restylane, which use a natural substance like hyaluronic acid, are able to be harmlessly absorbed by your body.

In general, fillers last between 4-6 months before patients notice a decrease in size. However, injections can last up to a year in some patients, giving you an ample amount of time to enjoy your look before you need to schedule a maintenance appointment.

Injections Can Be Reversed

We’ve all heard a lip filler horror story. Maybe that’s what has kept you on the fence as you consider injections for yourself. However, the materials used by trained, reputable doctors are top-quality and, in the case of hyaluronic acid, can be broken down by an enzyme called hyaluronidase.

This means that if you don’t like your final results, or if you change your mind about fillers, you can easily have the results reversed. This option gives many patients peace of mind as they weigh the pros and cons of injections.

Injections Can Give You a Natural Collagen Boost

Collagen–the natural structural protein of our body–helps give support and framework to your skin. It breaks down over time and, as we age, our body naturally begins to stop producing as much collagen, which results in loose skin and wrinkles. This also affects your lips, as they can lose their structure and definition. While no one enjoys needles, they’re an important part of injections for more than one reason.

Beyond delivering the dermal filler, the act of puncturing your skin with the needle can help your cells produce more collagen in your lips by inflicting a micro-trauma. This automatically stimulates collagen production, and the additional collagen can enhance and prolong the effects of your injections.

Am I an Ideal Candidate?

If you’re considering lip injections, the good news is that this treatment is safe and effective for almost every patient. Men and women find great success with injections, which are cleared by the FDA for patients 21 and older. You may not be an ideal candidate if you have already had extensive lip enhancement performed surgically or non-surgically. You should talk to your doctor to determine whether this treatment is right for you.

Conclusion

If you’re unsatisfied with the appearance of your lips, you know how much this insecurity can affect your daily life. Thin, undefined, or uneven lips can cause you to feel uncomfortable in social settings and affect your confidence when you look in the mirror. Lip injections are the fastest way to achieve fuller, more attractive lips, and usually in one easy appointment. You’ll be amazed at how your new lips help you feel more comfortable in your own skin.

If you’re ready to learn more, contact the professionals at Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA to schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to helping you meet your goals!

You can’t stop the aging process. But with the help of Dysport and Dr. Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands, CA, you can rejuvenate your face like never before. This treatment is designed to treat moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles, control cervical dystonia and more. Keep reading to discover how often you can, and should, receive this treatment.

What Is Dysport?

Dysport belongs to a class of anti-aging injectables containing Botulinum toxin type A. Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein produced by certain strains of bacterium, including Clostridium botulinum. This protein prevents the axom endings of your neuromuscular junctions from releasing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle movements

Isn’t Botox Made of the Same Protein?

It’s true that Botox, manufactured by Allegran, features the active ingredient Botulinum toxin. Like Dysport (manufactured by Medicis Aesthetics), it is FDA-approved to minimize the appearance of crow’s feet around the eyes and other fine lines and wrinkles. However, there are key differences between these two treatments, despite the same active ingredient.

What Happens Before Treatment?

Before treatment, we will review your complete medical history. Let us know of all medications you’re taking, including:

• Antihistamines
• Blood thinners
• Cold medications
• Muscle relaxants
• Sleep aids

What Can I Expect From Treatment?

Treatment is pain-free and takes only minutes. Your board-certified dermatologist will apply a bit of topical anesthetic to the treatment area. This ensures you feel no pain or discomfort from the insertion of the very fine needles. Injections are usually administered to five different areas around your eyebrows and forehead to treat frown lines.

The longest part of the treatment is preparation. After the injections are administered, you are free to go back to work. However, we recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment for two to three months out so we can administer follow-up injections.

What Areas Can Be Treated?

This treatment primarily targets glabellar lines. Glabellar lines are the vertical wrinkles located on your forehead between your eyebrows. They begin to form during early adulthood. However, as you mature in age, your skin loses elasticity, and these deep, vertical wrinkles become more prominent. They may also appear more noticeable when you squint your eyes, making you look cold or angry.

What Can I Expect After Treatment?

Before you leave our office, you will receive a list of after-care instructions. Don’t exercise for two hours after your treatment to prevent the toxin from spreading outside the intended treatment site. Moreover, don’t rub the injection site. Expect to see a wrinkle-free forehead within 24 to 48 hours after treatment that stays smooth three to four months after your initial injections.

How Does Botox Differ From Dysport?

Dosage

The primary difference between Dysport and Botox is the dosage. For example, 30 syringes of Botox equals 50 syringes of botulinum toxin manufactured by Medicis Aesthetics.

Dilution

Botulinum toxin manufactured by Medicis Aesthetics is diluted differently than Botox, as well. Therefore, if you needed eight units of Botox to address furrow lines between your brows, you may need 10 units of Dysport. The important thing to remember is that dilution does not mean you are getting a lower quality product.

Molecule Size

The size of the molecules used by Medicis Aesthetics is smaller than those used by Allegran. Because the molecules in Botox are larger, the effects take longer to work and do not spread as far. It is essential that you seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist so she can advise which treatment is right to achieve your goals. In some regions of the face, you may want an injection that does not diffuse as far.

Diffusion

Diffusion is a significant difference between these two neurotoxin injections, as well. If you’re looking to treat a larger area, Dysport may be right for you. If, on the other hand, more precision is required for your treatment, Botox may be the ideal injection for your unique aesthetic goals.

Onset

This treatment, also referred to as abobotulinumtoxin A, provides results three times faster than Botox. The difference between 24 hours and 72 hours may seem insignificant. But if you need to treat wrinkles two days before your wedding, you’ll be glad abobotulinumtoxin A is an option.

How Often Can You Receive Treatment?



You may receive follow-up neurotoxin injections every 90 days. The efficacy of four repeated treatments has been proven in clinical studies. Moreover, the safety of treatment in a dozen repeated appointments has been proven. But how often should you come in for treatment? Come in two to three months after your first appointment to assess your results. We can help you determine when you need to come back for a follow-up treatment.

How Convenient Is This Treatment?

This neurotoxin treatment is incredibly convenient. It is performed in our state-of-the-art, comfortable office, and there is no downtime associated with it. You are free to go straight home or back to work once treatment is completed. Just don’t engage in a vigorous workout a couple hours after treatment. The protein needs a little time to settle into your skin.

How Much Does It Cost?

Because this treatment is more diluted than Botox, each injection is more affordable. However, if you are seeking this treatment to address cervical dystonia, chronic migraines, or another medical condition, your health insurance provider may reimburse you for the cost.

Am I a Good Candidate?

The best candidate for this treatment is between the ages of 18 and 64 and wants to relax hyperactive muscles. This may be to alleviate neck, shoulder or back pain, or it may be to smooth out “motion” wrinkles, such as worry lines between your eyebrows, smile lines around your mouth or laughter lines around your eyes.

While the FDA approved this treatment for safety and efficacy, it should not be administered to pregnant women or children under the age of 2. To address wrinkles, this treatment is only intended for adults. If you are lactose intolerant or allergic to other botulinum toxin products, ask us about alternative anti-aging treatments to address your concerns.

Abobotulinumtoxin A for Cervical Dystonia

Abobotulinumtoxin A, like Botox, can be used to treat painful neurological conditions. Cervical dystonia is a medical condition characterized by severe, uncontrollable muscle spasticity in the neck region. Abobotulinumtoxin A is FDA-approved to treat lower limb spasticity in children, cervical dystonia and muscle spasticity in adults.

How Does Treatment Work?

To treat cervical dystonia, your board-certified dermatologist will inject the neurotoxin into your affected muscles. This will end their hyperactivity so you can enjoy several months of pain relief. Depending on the nature of your condition, the injections may be administered around the head, in the neck muscles or in the shoulder and back muscles.

How Long Does Relief Last?

How long your relief from cervical dystonia lasts depends on several factors. These include how quickly your body metabolizes the neurotoxin and the severity of your condition. However, you should expect at least three months of symptom relief. Most of our clients don’t need a follow-up treatment until 14 weeks after their initial injections. And a quarter of our patients went over six months before coming back in for a follow-up.

Is It Safe?

Dysport hasn’t just been FDA-approved to correct moderate-to-severe frown lines. In 2009, the FDA approved this treatment for adults with cervical dystonia. In 2015, it was approved for adults with upper limb spasticity.

In 2016, it was FDA-approved to treat children ages 2 and up with lower limb spasticity. Finally, in 2017, the FDA approved this treatment for adults with lower limb spasticity. The more research that is conducted on this treatment, the safer and more effective it is found to be.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Several clinical studies and anecdotal reports indicate that this treatment results in significant symptom improvement after just four weeks. However, everyone is different, so your results may vary.

Alternatives to Abobotulinumtoxin A

Botulinum toxin treatments are not right for everyone. However, there are FDA-approved anti-aging alternatives that may be a better fit. Depending on the cause and symptoms of your signs of aging, we may recommend Bellafill®, Restylane or Sculptra® Aesthetic

Bellafill®

Bellafill® is an innovative blend of collagen gel and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres. Once injected, the collagen immediately adds natural-looking volume to the treatment site, filling in acne scars and softening smile lines.

The PMMA microspheres work as a scaffolding system to promote the production of your body’s own collagen. As your body metabolizes the injected collagen, your results won’t disappear. Your new, improved appearance will remain.

Sculptra® Aesthetic

Sculptra® Aesthetic is different than other dermal fillers on the market. Unlike hyaluronic acid wrinkle-fillers, this volumizer supports your body’s natural collagen growth. Starting at the age of 21, your body produces collagen at a 1% reduced rate. Sculptra® Aesthetic helps your body restore lost collagen, even after decades of collagen loss. The best part is that the results of this quick treatment can last over 25 months.

Restylane

Restylane is a synthetic hyaluronic acid dermal filler that acts just like the hyaluronic acid in your body. It is FDA-approved to be administered into several treatment sides, including your cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines and lips. When using Restylane to augment the lips, size, mass and natural definition are added without affecting the natural shape of the lip.

At Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD, we are proud to offer Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Silk and Restylane Lyft. These formulations are specifically formulated to address different areas for concern. If you think a hyaluronic acid filler is right for you, we welcome you to come in for a consultation and discuss which formulation will suit you best.

Juvederm

Juvederm is another hyaluronic acid treatment that instantly smooths moderate-to-severe lines and wrinkles, adds subtle fullness to the lips and fills in sunken cheeks. At Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD, we offer Juvederm XC, a formulation that includes lidocaine to ensure your complete comfort during treatment. Besides Juvederm XC to address lines around the mouth, we proudly offer our clients Juvederm Volbella XC, Juvederm Vollure XC and Juvederm Voluma XC.

Rejuvenate Your Face Today

At Ingrid Trenkle, MD, we understand that the face can be very sensitive, and your comfort is our top priority. If you’re worried about any discomfort during your treatment, we welcome you to come in half an hour before your scheduled appointment time. When you check in, please let us know if you would like a specially formulated topical numbing cream applied to the treatment site to maximize your comfort. This gives the cream time to take full effect.

Whatever your concerns, or to learn more about Dysport and determine if it is right for you, contact Dr. Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD of Redlands, CA today to schedule your initial consultation.