At Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, IN, we understand that hormonal imbalances affect every facet of your life. Luckily, there is an accessible, effective solution. We are proud to offer hormone replacement therapy, also known as HRT, to help you feel like yourself again and live life freely. One of the most frequently asked questions about this treatment is how long it takes to work. Fortunately, this treatment starts working quickly.

How Long Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Take? 

Hormone replacement therapy usually starts to produce results within the first seven days of treatment. That said, it can take up to 21 days for the full benefits of this therapy to become apparent. Nevertheless, each client is unique, and sometimes minor corrections are necessary. Additionally, each client responds uniquely to treatment. Your lifestyle choices heavily influence how quickly the results of this therapy become apparent.

We cannot overstate how important it is to be mindful of your lifestyle choices if you want to experience relief as quickly as possible. The healthier your lifestyle is, the sooner you will enjoy relief from your symptoms. A few weeks after your first therapy session, we will evaluate your response to the therapy program. After that, you won’t need to come in until it is time for your next dose.

What Are the Benefits of This Therapy? 

You will be very pleased with the benefits provided by hormone replacement therapy if you are suffering from the symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Hormones are essential to all bodily functions. When your hormone levels are imbalanced, you will suffer from physical, mental, and emotional side effects. This therapy provides mental, physical, and emotional benefits as hormone levels become balanced.

Mental Benefits

Brain fog is a common side effect of aging. Symptoms can present differently in different individuals, but most people with hormonal imbalance notice they have difficulty concentrating and often forget important information. It is important to understand you don’t have to live with cognitive decline.

With hormone replacement therapy, both your short-term and long-term memory will improve. Furthermore, you can expect to think more clearly, make better decisions and focus better. Talk to us about whether HRT can benefit you if your memory is failing or you are noticing other symptoms of cognitive decline.

Emotional Benefits

Often, people with hormonal imbalances feel that life is taking them on an emotional roller coaster. Although severe mood swings are most commonly associated with menopause, they can also affect men going through a condition known as andropause.

If you find yourself happy one minute and crying uncontrollably the next, hormone replacement therapy can restore balance and stability to your hormone levels and mood. This emotional stability will have a positive effect on your interpersonal relationships, both platonic and intimate. You will also find you can handle setbacks with more grace and a level head.

Physical Benefits

The most common physical side effect of imbalanced hormones is a lack of energy. Additionally, men tend to experience significant muscle loss. If you find you can’t keep up with your kids like you used to, your hormone levels may be imbalanced. An extreme loss of stamina is not a part of the normal aging process. It is a sign of hormonal imbalance and can be corrected with HRT.

Unfortunately, weight gain is a common side effect of muscle mass loss because muscle is so much more metabolically active than fat. Therefore, you may eat as clean as you used to and stay active and gain several pounds of fat. HRT will help you maintain your existing muscle mass, build more muscle mass in conjunction with exercise and increase your metabolism to previous levels.

FAQs About Hormone Therapy

What Is Hormone Therapy? 

Hormone therapy is a therapy that supplements hormones that are present in inadequate quantities. Although slowing hormone production is a natural part of the aging process, you don’t have to suffer from the symptoms of hormonal imbalances for the rest of your life. Restoring balance to your hormone levels will restore balance in your life and improve your physical, mental and emotional health.

What Problems Can This Therapy Treat? 

Hormonal imbalances can be pretty tricky to treat because it can be difficult to identify the exact problem. Many people suffer from the symptoms of hormonal imbalances for years because they think they’re just burned out from work or tired because their age is catching up with them. Unfortunately, people grow used to constant fatigue and think there is nothing they can do. That said, HRT can treat: 

• Premature aging signs
• Brain fog
• Hair loss
• Lethargy
• Emotional instability
• Insomnia
• Poor sleep quality
• Unintended weight fluctuations
• Muscle mass loss
• Bone density loss
• Bloating 
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Reduced libido

Note, the above is not an all-inclusive list of symptoms that can be treated. HRT can reverse all of the symptoms of hormonal imbalance you are suffering from.

How Does This Therapy Work? 

Before your hormone replacement therapy begins, you need to come in for an initial consultation. During this consultation, we will discuss your lifestyle, symptoms, health history, and goals. Then, we will take a blood sample. This quick, simple blood test will tell us which hormones your body isn’t producing enough of. That said, you should understand everyone has unique normal levels of hormones.

A blood test will give us a baseline to start from, and you will be monitored throughout the therapy process. Adjustments will be made as necessary based on your unique response to the therapy. We recommend tracking changes in the way you feel once your therapy process begins to help inform us of how we need to tweak your dosage. Additionally, questions are welcomed at any point during the therapy process.

What Should I Do Besides Supplement My Hormone Levels? 

To reiterate, your lifestyle significantly affects how well your body will respond to the therapy. You won’t get ideal results from hormone replacement therapy if you don’t exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet and manage stress. On the other hand, you will feel years younger, and act accordingly, if you maintain a healthy lifestyle. The key is to restore balance to your hormone levels and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Exercise Regularly

A solid exercise routine will keep your body in optimal health and help to keep your newly restored hormone levels in balance. However, you don’t have to work out for hours per day. You can enjoy significant benefits from half an hour of moderate exercise daily. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise only five days per week.

If you don’t already exercise regularly, start slowly. There is nothing wrong with going on three 10-minute walks if that’s all you can manage. As your workout sessions get easier, push yourself to go faster or farther, but don’t push yourself to the point of injury. Strength, stamina and speed will come with consistency. You will enjoy even better results if you can incorporate resistance training into your workout routine a couple of times per week.

Eat Nutritious Foods

Your diet directly affects your hormones. Processed foods impede your body’s ability to function appropriately and regulate hormone levels. Replacing refined grains with unrefined grains will go a long way in helping to keep your hormone levels stable during your therapy process.

You should also trade processed foods for plenty of produce and grass-fed or pastured meats and dairy. Furthermore, you should minimize your consumption of foods and beverages with added sugar. Honey is a great alternative to refined sugar.

Manage Your Stress Levels

Everyone experiences stress, and some people think it is impossible to get out from under it. That said, stress wreaks havoc on your mind and body and significantly affects hormone production. We recommend investing time in finding stress management techniques that work for you.

Some people find success in meditating when they feel like they are about to crack under the pressure of life. Others work from home and can go for a walk when tensions run too high. If you can find a healthy way to manage your stress, you will feel happier and healthier and your hormone levels will remain balanced.

Good Candidates for HRT

Men and women alike can be considered good candidates for HRT. Although most people who seek this treatment are over the age of 45, you can be considered a good candidate for treatment if you are in your 20s or 30s and suffering from imbalanced hormones.

If you’re not yet in your mid-40s and are experiencing some of the symptoms of imbalanced hormones, we strongly recommend coming in for a blood test to analyze your serum hormone levels. That said, most candidates are:

Men Over 45

Men start producing less testosterone every year in their mid-20s. That said, it is not until the mid-40s that the signs of andropause usually become apparent. If you are noticing a lack of interest in sex, chronic fatigue, or cognitive decline, you could benefit greatly from HRT.

Menopausal Women

In the past, women usually experienced menopause around the age of 50. That said, women are more commonly reaching menopause in their 40s. Additionally, genes and lifestyle choices can result in premature menopause. Premature menopause is defined as a loss of normally-functioning ovaries before the age of 40. Women can even develop this condition before the age of 30.

Furthermore, you should be aware you may be considered a good candidate for this treatment if you have not yet reached menopause. In fact, it is incredibly common to suffer from the symptoms of imbalanced hormones in the months or years leading up to menopause as the body starts to produce much less estrogen. Hormone supplementation can help you feel years younger and much healthier and happier.

Anyone With a Hormonal Imbalance

Notably, you don’t need to be suffering from perimenopause, menopause or andropause to be considered a good candidate for hormone supplementation. There are several causes of hormonal imbalances; you can benefit from hormone replacement therapy if you are suffering from hormonal imbalances regardless of the cause.

Book an Appointment Today

You don’t have to suffer from the symptoms of imbalanced hormones. Hormone replacement therapy can help. To find out if your hormone levels are imbalanced, please contact us today at Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, IN to schedule your initial consultation. We are also proud to serve members of the Shelbyville, IN community. For residents of Vermilion County, we have an office located conveniently in Danville, IL at 27791 N 1575 E Rd.

If you live in Sonoma, CA, you can find us at 431 East St in Healdsburg, CA. We also have an office located conveniently in Ukiah, CA at 706 E Perkins St #A for residents of Mendocino County. We look forward to meeting you soon and helping you restore balance to your hormone levels and life.   

Wrinkles are an inevitable part of life despite the healthiest lifestyle and ideal skincare routine. However, you don’t need to live with them. Thanks to anti-wrinkle injectables, you can erase your wrinkles temporarily. At Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, IN, we offer both Dysport and Botox, two incredibly effective anti-aging injectables to restore flawlessly smooth, youthful skin.

What Are the Differences Between Dysport and Botox?

At this point, everyone has heard of Botox. However, Dysport is becoming increasingly popular. If some of the social media influencers you follow advertise this up-and-coming anti-aging injectable, you may wonder what the difference between these two injectables is. Although both of these injectables treat dynamic wrinkles, the primary difference is the areas each injectable was designed to treat.

Dysport is primarily used to treat frown lines. Botox, on the other hand, is often used to treat frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. Additionally, each injectable uses a different type of A botulinum toxin. This means each injectable has its own dosage and the results of each treatment become apparent at a different rate.

Different Neurotoxins

Both of these anti-wrinkle injectables are neuromodulators. The active ingredient in both injectables is A botulinum toxin. However, the type of A botulinum toxin differs between the two injectables. Dysport features ABO, sometimes called abobotulinumtoxinA. Contrastingly, Botox features ONA, otherwise known as onabotulinumtoxinA.

The primary difference between these two A botulinum toxins is the size of the molecules. ABO molecules are smaller than ONA molecules. Therefore, the dosage required to achieve the desired results is different between the two neuromodulators.

Different Dosages

Both injectable muscle relaxants are administered in the same fashion. We use a sterile syringe with a very fine, sterile needle to administer the medication into roughly five strategic points per trouble area. Since ABO molecules aren’t as large as ONA molecules, 25 units of an ABO injectable is equivalent to 10 units of an ONA injectable.

Rest assured, regardless of which injectable you choose to relax your wrinkles away, we will administer the appropriate dose to strike the perfect balance between relaxing your overactive muscles and allowing you to continue emoting naturally.

Different Release Dates

Everyone has heard of Botox by now because it has been used for over 20 years. For cosmetic purposes, it has been used since 2002. The ABO injectable we offer, on the other hand, has been approved by the FDA and used for cosmetic purposes for a dozen years. While it may not yet be a household name, millions of people receive this treatment annually to treat frustrating frown lines.

Different Results Rates

Although the dosage required to achieve the desired results with an ABO injectable is higher than that of an ONA injectable, the results become apparent faster. Since ABO molecules are smaller than ONA molecules, they settle into your muscles faster, and ideal results can be enjoyed within 96 hours of the injections.

In contrast, ONA molecules take nearly twice as long to start working. You can expect to see the final results of Botox injections within seven days of your treatment session. However, it is important to look at the big picture when deciding which injectable is right for you. Even though the results of Botox can take nearly twice as long to become apparent, the results of over-the-counter anti-aging treatments take three months to manifest if they work at all.

Different Distributions

The tendency to disperse is another difference between these two injectable muscle relaxants. Since ABO molecules are smaller than ONA molecules, they have a stronger tendency to disperse. This is what makes them so adept at treating forehead folds. In contrast, ONA molecules are more likely to remain in the precise area of injection. This makes Botox ideal for treating crow’s feet.

During your initial consultation, we will evaluate all of your problem areas and discuss them with you thoroughly. Depending on the scope of your cosmetic concerns, you may benefit from ABO injections in one part of your face and ONA injections in another part of your face. What is great about both of these injectables is they can be used together safely and the dosages are customized based on the areas targeted for treatment and the severity of the cosmetic concern.

Similarities

Although these injectables comprise different formulas, there are many similar benefits provided:

They Smooth Skin

Virtually all anti-wrinkle products available promise after three months of regular application, you can enjoy wrinkle-free skin. Most of these products are nothing more than overpriced moisturizers being advertised as miracle anti-aging creams. However, there are products that provide some results after 12 weeks of adhering to a strict skincare routine faithfully. With either of these two anti-aging injectables, you can enjoy much smoother skin in under a week.

Your treatment results will only improve from there. What’s great about these injectables is they treat the cause of dynamic wrinkles, hyperactive muscles. The A botulinum toxin impedes nerve signals to the muscles. This relaxes the muscles and the skin so you can use your facial muscles without worrying about how badly you are exacerbating your dynamic wrinkles.

They Treat Aging Signs

Both injectables rapidly smooth wrinkles away to treat the aging signs affecting your face. Although you can’t avoid the effects of the aging process, you can reverse them temporarily with injectable muscle relaxants. Both injectables can turn back the clock temporarily because they treat the cause of your cosmetic concerns. This will help you look as young as you feel.

They Minimize the Appearance of Damaged Skin

Not all facial wrinkles are dynamic.  Facial lines and wrinkles can also be caused by UV damage, pollution and other environmental irritants. Both of these injectable muscle relaxants can improve your self-confidence by minimizing the appearance of facial wrinkles and lines caused by damaged skin.

They Erase Wrinkles and Fine Lines

One of the reasons wrinkles and fine lines are caused by overactive muscles is because your skin loses collagen over time. Through your 20s, your skin produces plenty of collagen and is elastic, healthy and strong. When your skin’s production of collagen decreases, the formation of wrinkles occurs.

Both of these injectable muscle relaxants replace aging with youth and wrinkles with smoothness by bridging the gap between the skin you once had and the skin you have later in life due to collagen loss.

They Make You Look More Energized

Unfortunately, wrinkles don’t just make you look older. They also make you look more tired than you feel. Once wrinkles have formed, a good night’s sleep is inadequate for looking fresh-faced. Rather, the creases on your face often look worse as soon as you wake up.

Another thing these two injectable muscle relaxants have in common is they both help you look well-rested. In fact, these injectables are so powerful you can even look like you had a complete night of restorative sleep after pulling an all-nighter to finish your crucial report.

They Provide Natural-Looking Results

People sometimes worry they will use anti-aging injectables to look younger and end up looking artificial. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about looking unnatural when you choose our office to administer your anti-wrinkle injectables. You can rest assured your results will be subtle and look completely natural. We will craft a customized treatment plan tailored to address all of your concerns and administer the appropriate dosage with precision and care into your regions of concern.

Our aesthetic experts have the experience and skill required to give you natural, aesthetically appealing results. Your face will not look frozen because it will not be frozen.

They’re Safe

Another thing these injectable muscle relaxants have in common is they are both approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety. Additionally, there is no downtime required after either of these safe injectables. Furthermore, your anti-wrinkle treatment will take no more than 15 minutes. You can come in on your lunch break and return to work happier and more self-confident.

Which Treatment Is Best for Me?

As noted above, you may find that you need to treat your overactive muscles with both injectable muscle relaxants to achieve your desired aesthetic. We will craft a customized treatment plan to help you achieve all of your goals during your initial consultation. We will also tell you everything you need to know about both of these effective injectables at this time. Finally, we will determine whether you are a good candidate for one or both of these injectables.

Am I a Good Candidate for Injectable Muscle Relaxants?

Typically, if you want to treat deep frown lines, you will be considered a good candidate for Dysport. Remember, the molecular size of this A botulinum toxin is roughly 40% smaller than the molecular size of the A botulinum toxin in Botox. Therefore, it will spread readily throughout the forehead. You may also be considered a good candidate for ABO injections if you have moderate-to-severe forehead folds.

There is a good chance you will be considered a good candidate for Botox if you have any concerns caused by overactive muscles. However, ONA injections are better suited for treating problems in smaller areas, like the crow’s feet around the outer corners of your eyes, due to their tendency to not spread.

Do You Have to Be Healthy to Receive Injectable Muscle Relaxants?

During your initial consultation, we will discuss your medical history and current health to determine if an injectable muscle relaxant is appropriate for you at this time. The FDA has not approved either injectable muscle relaxant for treating wrinkles in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you will need to hold off on treatment.  

It is important to note that there are certain medical conditions that may preclude you from receiving injectable muscle relaxants. For example, you should not receive either treatment if you suffer from a neuromuscular disease, such as myasthenia gravis. Additionally, you may need to stop taking certain medications temporarily to be considered a good candidate for either treatment. For example, you should stop taking blood thinners and may be advised to stop taking sleep aids for a couple of days.

Book an Initial Evaluation With Our Aesthetic Experts Now

Both of these injectable muscle relaxants are great for the treatment of lines and wrinkles.  We can help if you are ready to turn back the hands of time temporarily and enjoy wrinkle-free skin. Reach out to us now at Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, IN to schedule an initial consultation with one of our skincare experts to determine whether Dysport or Botox will benefit you more.

Note, if you are not in the Noblesville, IN area, we are also proud to serve the Shelbyville, IN and Danville, IL areas. Furthermore, we have offices located conveniently in Healdsburg, CA and Ukiah, CA if you are located in Mendocino County or Sonoma County.

If you think that once you see a wrinkle, it’s too late to try to erase it, we have good news. At Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, IN, we have a solution that can help you look and feel like your younger self again and it’s called Botox. We’re sure you’ve probably heard of it, but you may have never tried it or aren’t sure if it’s right for you, and we’re here to convince you otherwise.

Is Botox the Right Treatment for You?

Choosing anti-aging injectables to treat your wrinkles is an extremely personal decision. If you have dynamic wrinkles that won’t respond to topical products and other anti-aging treatments, know that you will get results from this cosmetic injectable. Whether or not you want to add it to your anti-aging routine is a decision you need to make on your own.
 
However, we can provide you with all of the information about this treatment, what it does, how it will improve your problem areas, and answer any questions you may have regarding the treatment. We can tell you one thing with full confidence: no one ever regrets the wrinkle-free results that come when they add this injectable to their anti-aging routine.

What Is Botox?

Botox is the original neuromodulator. It is a botulinum toxin that has become more than just a household name. It’s used all over the world to treat and improve the appearance of dynamic wrinkles without the need for invasive, surgical measures. Each year millions of men and women turn to this injectable to not only improve their appearance but increase their confidence.

How Does It Work?

This neurotoxin works by addressing the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles. People express. It’s normal and it’s the way that you show emotion, but over time, those expressions begin to leave a mark on your skin. When you were younger, your skin was able to bounce back thanks to high hyaluronic acid and collagen production. With the aging process comes a decrease in hyaluronic acid production, which leads to dryer skin that’s more prone to wrinkling.
 
Your facial muscles continue to contract, but your skin can’t handle those contractions the same way it used to and lines and wrinkles start to define your face. If you’ve been wondering where all of your lines and wrinkles came from, now you know. They’re called dynamic wrinkles because they come from dynamic movements, aka, expressive movements. Since we can’t just stop expressing, there needs to be another solution, and that solution is Botox.

Relaxing the Muscles

Neurotoxins are muscle relaxers. The main ingredients in this injectable block the communication between the muscles and the nerve signals from the brain, so that when the brain tells the muscles to move, they don’t get that message and they stay relaxed. When your skin can finally rest from all of that movement, wrinkles begin to fade and you look younger and well-rested. You’ll still look like yourself, just a better version.

What Areas Does It Treat?

Botox treats the areas of the face that are most prone to developing dynamic wrinkles. It is FDA-approved to treat and correct moderate to severe lines that form across the forehead, crow’s feet that form at the outer corners of the eyes, and frown lines that appear in the shape of the number eleven between the eyebrows.

What Are the Benefits?

Now that you know what this injectable is and how it works, you get to learn about the fun part: the benefits. There’s a reason that millions of people all over the world choose to regularly undergo this treatment every few months. It is one of, if not the most popular solution to aging.
 
It’s safe, effective, and delivers results after every treatment. When you choose this treatment, you choose one that is trusted and world-renowned for its ability to restore youth in as little as one session.

It Can Create Facial Symmetry

The most aesthetically pleasing faces are those that are symmetrical and have proportional features. While not everyone has this ideal facial structure, there are ways to treat the face with this injectable to create symmetry and proportion.

If your eyebrows aren’t in line with one another or your smile isn’t perfectly proportional, a skilled injector who understands facial anatomy can help create the desired changes in your appearance just with the use of this injectable. Treatments administered to address facial symmetry and proportion often deliver results that last longer than your average treatment.

Appointments Are Quick

No one wants to sit around at an appointment all day, even if it is for the sake of beauty. The benefit of this treatment is that appointments are relatively quick. Injections only take 10 to 20 minutes to administer so you will be in and out of your appointment in less than an hour. We value your time and want you to enjoy the convenience that these treatments provide.

Results Are Long-Lasting

Once injected with this neurotoxin, you’ll enjoy results that last anywhere from three to six months in total. As soon as you feel the effects wear off, you can schedule a follow-up treatment to maintain the most consistent appearance.

You’ll Remain Completely Comfortable

Many of our patients are terrified of needles but even still, they look forward to their injection day. That’s because they know that injectable needles aren’t like normal needles. They are ultra-thin and ultrafine which makes administering them a breeze. Plus, if you need it, we can apply a topical numbing cream to your treatment areas before we begin so that you remain completely comfortable for the duration of your treatment.

However, one of the benefits of this cosmetic injectable is that it effectively reduces the total amount of sweat that your body produces so you can save yourself embarrassment. You can also save time and money searching for different deodorants to help solve a problem that only Botox can treat.

It Can Treat Your Migraines
Not only can Botox address cosmetic concerns, but it can also solve medical ones like migraines. If you have ever experienced just one migraine, you know how debilitating it can be. If you experience multiple migraines several times a week throughout each month, you can find newfound hope and this treatment.

Those who use this neurotoxin to treat their migraines found that they experienced far fewer migraines each month and also experienced relief from the symptoms associated with those migraines.

It Improves Your Appearance

It’s Safe

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

You don’t have to live with lines and wrinkles. You have an option and we can help make all of your aesthetic dreams come true. We have different offices conveniently located in Noblesville, IN, Shelbyville, IN, Danville, IL, Healdsburg, CA, and Ukiah, CA, and our experts are ready to help develop a treatment plan that will give you amazing results. Contact us today at Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, IN to schedule your initial consultation.

The thing about feminism is that it’s about having a choice, and many women prefer to make the choice to shave for their own personal reasons. That’s great: but the downside of shaving is the possibility for razor burn, knicks, skin irritation, and ingrown hairs. At Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, IN, we know that laser hair removal is a good treatment option for women who want to take control of their beauty routine.

How Many Hair Removal Sessions Do You Need?

Successful laser treatment for removing hair typically requires several appointments to achieve optimal results. For most patients, an average of six to eight treatments is usually enough to significantly reduce or even permanently stall hair growth. This number of treatments ensures that every treatment area is exposed to an adequate amount of light energy to stop hair growth.

Why Do Some People Need More Treatments?

Naturally, everyone is different so everyone may have a different minimum number of treatments required to achieve the desired results. Some people require more than eight treatment appointments because they have thicker or more dense hair or because they are treating multiple areas of the body at one time. Likewise, those who have sparse hair growth in the first place may not require six treatments to achieve results, particularly if the hair is thin.

What Happens If You Miss a Treatment?

In short, nothing happens if you miss an appointment – and that’s a problem. When you miss an appointment, you also set back the progress you have made up to that point. For many people, missing an appointment means you will have to start back from square one to achieve your desired results, so you must keep all of your appointments.

Your treatment appointments are generally spaced about one month apart to accommodate your natural hair growth cycle and to give your skin enough time to recover between treatments. However, those who have fair or sensitive skin may need to wait six weeks between treatment appointments. We will let you know the best frequency for your treatments so you can achieve your hair-free results.

Will These Treatments Produce Permanent Results?

Repeated treatments may permanently stunt hair growth, or at least prevent hair growth for a few years. However, it’s important to note that this treatment only causes moderate damage to the hair follicles, which prevents hair growth for some time but does not stop hair from growing forever. What this means for you is that, after your first round of treatments, you will need to attend regular maintenance appointments to maintain your results.

Why Maintenance Appointments Matter

Your maintenance appointments usually happen once or twice a year depending on your hair growth needs. Your maintenance appointments are important because they control the activity of the hair follicle, which means that these appointments will extend the moderate damage of the follicle to prevent hair growth.

If you skin your maintenance appointments, then you will lose your results because your hair will start growing again as it normally would after your hair follicles heal.

How Does This Treatment Work?

This treatment is very simple. Many people assume that laser treatments for removing hair mean using a laser to shave the hair off the body, but the treatment is actually more clever than that. For these treatments, light is used to expose the follicle to thermal energy which then damages the base of the follicle enough to stunt hair growth. The shaft of your hair absorbs light energy and converts it into thermal energy to produce results.

Will This Treatment Hurt?

No, this treatment is not painful or significantly uncomfortable. In fact, most patients compare this treatment to a snapping rubber band or even a moderately warm sensation on the skin. This treatment is much more tolerable than waxing and far less uncomfortable than ingrown hairs or razor burn that may be bothersome for days. At the patient’s request, we can apply a topical numbing cream to make the treatment more comfortable.

How Should You Prepare for This Treatment?

There are only a few things you should do to prepare for this treatment. Because this treatment uses light energy and your skin will be exposed to light wavelengths, it’s important that you avoid directed unprotected sunlight, as well as tanning beds and self-tanning products, for at least two weeks before your treatment appointment.

It’s also important that you shave the intended treatment area at least one to three days before your appointment. It’s ideal if any hair regrowth is in the early stages of stubble rather than being perfectly smooth, as this will help the laser technology better detect the darker pigment of your hair as compared to your skin. We may provide you with additional preparation instructions before your appointment.

What Should You Do After Treatment?

After your appointment, you must continue to avoid any unprotected sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products. This is because the exposure to light wavelengths will make it easier for your skin to create more melanin, which can darken your skin tone. It’s also important that you avoid exposure to heat, including hot water, saunas, hot tubs, hot showers, and excessive sweating, as all of these may cause skin irritation.

Where Can You Use This Treatment?

This treatment can be used on virtually every area of the body where there is unwanted hair growth. In fact, because of the versatility of this treatment, laser removal is an ideal alternative to shaving for both men and women. The most common areas of treatment include:

• Upper lip
• Chest
• Underarms
• Stomach
• Back
• Bikini area
• Thighs
• Calves

Many people opt to use this treatment on multiple areas of the body at one time. For example, many women use this treatment to manage hair growth on the legs and the bikini area; some also add the underarm area or any hair growth on the stomach to achieve a more comprehensive result.

When Should You Use This Treatment?

Believe it or not, there are times of the year when it is best to have this treatment. Because this treatment uses light energy that may cause pigmentation when exposed to direct sunlight, it’s usually best to schedule your initial series of treatments during the fall and winter months to minimize the risk of sun exposure.

What Type of Hair Is Appropriate for This Treatment?

While this treatment can generally be used for any skin tone and skin type, there are certain types of hair that are not good matches for this treatment. Ideally, the pigment of your hair should be dark brown or black so that the laser system can pick up the concentrated melanin in the hair follicle. Those who have blond, grey, light brown, or red hair may not be able to use this treatment due to the lack of melanin in their skin.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?

There are quite a few benefits of this laser treatment. For example, this treatment is incredibly versatile and can be used by most people, which makes it a universal choice for the majority of people who are interested in permanent hair removal. Other benefits of this treatment include:

Correct Ingrown Hairs

If you struggle with ingrown hairs or you have chronic ingrown hair, then you should know that this treatment can help correct ingrown hairs. An ingrown hair happens when hair grows from the follicle and out of the pore at an incorrect angle.

Because this treatment damages the follicle, it also helps correct the direction of the hair growth to eliminate ingrown hairs in the future. And as for the immediate future, you will not have to worry about ingrown hairs during your initial series of treatments.

Tighten and Resurface Skin

All laser treatments can benefit the tone and appearance of the skin – including laser treatments for removing hair. When exposed to laser energy from this treatment, you will be able to tighten and resurface the appearance of your skin.

This means you can correct skin laxity, thin and dull skin, dark spots, blemishes, and other superficial skin concerns with this treatment, as well as reducing hair growth. Patients with mild to moderate superficial skin concerns usually have the best advantage for this benefit.

Save Hygiene Time

Shaving the old fashioned way takes a lot of time. Many women can spend 10 to 20 minutes in the shower to shave body hair, and this may need to be repeated up to three times a week to maintain results.

Right off the bat, when you reduce your overall amount of hair growth, you also reduce the amount of time you need to dedicate to your hygiene routine. In the long run, this treatment may also help you shave money spent on shaving cream, razors, and body lotions to soothe irritated skin.

Dress With Confidence

Imagine being able to put on any clothes in your closet without stopping to consider whether or not your legs are shaved. Being able to dress as you please without shaving or having to think about the appearance of your body hair is a huge benefit. This is particularly true for underarm hair and hair in the bikini area, which tends to grow dark and can make dressing for summer clothing a bit more complicated.

Who Are Good Candidates for Hair Removal?

Good candidates for this laser treatment for removing hair include any adult who wants to permanently slow the amount of hair growth on one or more areas of the body. Ideally, candidates should be those who have compatible skin tones, types, and hair pigments that work the best with the laser system. If you aren’t sure you are a good candidate for this treatment, a consultation appointment will help us determine your eligibility.

Say Good-Bye to Shaving With Laser Hair Removal

While there are plenty of feminists out there who want to defy current beauty standards, there are also feminists who want to manage their body hair growth as part of their personal beauty preferences. Laser hair removal treatments are good options for those who want to simplify their beauty routine and avoid the downsides that can come with constant shaving, including ingrown hairs and razor burn.

If you think you may be a good candidate for this treatment, please contact Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, IN, Shelbyville, IN, Danville, IL, Healdsburg, CA, and Ukiah, CA to schedule your initial appointment today.

If you’ve been thinking about correcting the lines and wrinkles on your face, you’ve likely heard of Juvederm. This collection of injectable dermal fillers is highly popular in the U.S., mostly thanks to consistent and long-lasting results. And at Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, Shelbyville, and Danville, IN and Healdsburg and Ukiah, CA, we see the changes in patients for ourselves, both in how they look and feel.

How Is Juvederm Different From Other Fillers?

The most discernible difference is in hyaluronic acid (HA) content. To be clear, this injectable has the highest concentration of cross-linked HA of any dermal filler on the market. This delivers smooth, natural, and glossy results, meaning the HA helps give your skin an incandescent glow. But before we go further, we need to explain HA and cross-linking.

What Is HA?

This substance occurs naturally throughout the body, with dense clusters found in the skin, connective tissues, cartilage, and fluid between joints. It is a highly soluble substance, so much so that HA can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water molecules. This explains why it is the most hydrating substance in the body and helps to give skin a soft and well-moisturized appearance.

HA also provides tissue stability, elasticity, and cohesion. But, in its natural state, this substance rapidly breaks down. The lymphatics quickly clear it away and the liver reduces it within just two days to carbon dioxide and water. To sustain the molecules so they can be injected under the skin – and deliver visible plumping – they must be chemically engineered.

Cross-Linking Is Key

This means the smaller but stable natural molecules have to be bound, or cross-linked, to each other using repeatable chemical bridges. This creates a longer and more stable chain able to retain its shape for a longer period of time. Once the chains are no longer susceptible to normal enzymatic degradation, the product becomes thick enough for injecting. And the more links that are created and cross-linked, the stronger the product grows.

For the sake of comparison, Restylane is 80 percent cross-linked, while Juvederm is 90 percent. The higher cross-linking makes this product more suitable for lifting even as it also volumizes. This makes a difference when choosing which filler is more ideal for a particular treatment spot; for instance, this treatment does a great job of volumizing the mid-face area, especially the cheeks.

Vycross Technology

Vycross Technology (VT) incorporates a combination of molecular weights in the injectables’ formulas. Before this proprietary technique exclusive to Juvederm, dermal fillers mostly consisted of 100 percent high molecular weights. With VT, the formula contains HA molecules that are 90 percent low weight and 10 percent high. This allows our staff to mold and contour the injectable for a more natural appearance.

Additional benefits include:

• Smoother delivery free of bumps and lumps 
• Fewer side effects like swelling and pain
• Customizable results

Inclusion of Lidocaine

All of Juvederm’s injectables contain lidocaine, the benefits of which are numerous. First and foremost, this means reduced pain sensitivity for a more enjoyable treatment. This ingredient also reduces the anxiety that many patients feel at their first session. We understand this fear is related to the unknown, but Lidocaine produces a greater sense of predictability by eliminating pain.

Studies show lidocaine enhances patient comfort and optimizes the overall experience without changing treatment safety or efficacy. It takes just 90 seconds to numb the treatment site but lasts less than 20 minutes so your face doesn’t feel distorted the rest of the day.

Long-Lasting

It’s important to recognize that several different formulas fall under this label, and each delivers different results in terms of longevity. Some are more flexible and intended for use around the mouth, while others are more robust and help lift features for improved contours. The point, however, is that this treatment produces results that can last up to two years, which is significantly longer than most other HA fillers.

Proven Safe for All Skin Colors and Tones

This is the first injectable HA gel to earn FDA approval for treating patients with a range of skin tones. Studies confirm it does not increase a patient’s risk of hypertrophic scarring or hyperpigmentation when used on fair, medium, or dark complexions. And it’s also equally effective across the board.

The Collection of Formulas

As we mentioned earlier, several different formulas fall under the Juvederm umbrella. We’ll start with Ultra XC (the XC denotes lidocaine), primarily used to re-shape and/or volumize lips and correct lines in the perioral area. It can also treat slight to moderate wrinkles and improve the appearance of scars. With its thinner consistency, Ultra works best when injected into higher layers of the skin.

Voluma XC

Aging renders changes to the face – we all know that. One of these changes includes sagging skin in the cheek area prompted by a loss of volume as fat slides downward. Voluma restores that lost volume by working below the skin’s surface. With skillful application, it lifts and plumps cheeks to deliver a more youthful appearance. It can also be used to contour the chin in a way that improves your profile.

Vollure XC

When injected into facial tissues with moderate to severe wrinkles and folds, this formula can smooth the entire face. It’s especially effective on the parentheses that often form on either side of the nose and mouth. Also known as nasolabial folds, these grow more visible with each passing year. But the velvety consistency of Vollure softens these lines so your face also looks softer.

Volbella XC

Designed specifically for the lips, Volbella augments your pout and eradicates perioral lines, also known as lipstick lines. It’s earned FDA approval for both of these effects, delivering results that can be subtle or dramatic (but not over-done), depending on your treatment goals. Additional enhancements include:

• More definition in the lips
• Smoother skin around the mouth
• Reduced creases below the lips

A Few Precautions

We’ll likely recommend you take a few precautionary steps after treatment to optimize your results and safeguard your skin. For instance, we tell most patients to avoid strenuous exercise and sun/heat exposure for 24 hours. It’s also important to avoid rubbing the treated site for a few days, and pat rather than wipe your face dry to avoid irritation.

Before treatment, it’s important that you tell us if you:

• Are pregnant or nursing
• Have a history of excessive scarring or pigmentation disorders
• Are currently on therapy to suppress your natural immune responses
• Take blood-thinning medications

Comparing Treatments

This treatment often gets compared to Radiesse, as both are popular fillers that can smooth lines and wrinkles. But a few differences separate these therapies in critical ways. The former lists HA as its active ingredient, while Radiesse contains calcium microspheres that mimic the structure of bones and teeth. Its consistency makes Juvederm more ideal for correcting lipstick lines, fine lines, and moderate wrinkles; it’s also beneficial for volumizing the lips.

Radiesse, on the other hand, is better suited to more severe folds. It’s also important to note the initial effects of Radiesse last between three and six months. Longer-lasting results develop as the calcium particles create a scaffold that supports tissues for more subtle volumizing. You may therefore see changes to your appearance as these different mechanisms go to work.

Restylane

Restylane is another injectable commonly compared to Juvederm but, again, key differences distinguish the treatments. Let’s start with consistency; the former is described as a granular gel, while the latter is smooth. Because it’s more cohesive, Restylane tends to stay where it is placed and can provide substantial volume. It is, however, prone to lumps the latter treatment does not produce, meaning Restylane must be actively smoothed during treatment.

These treatments also differ in terms of duration. The hyaluronic acid molecules that comprise Juvederm are 35 percent more cross-linked than those of Restylane. For many patients, this delivers longer-lasting results. Some also prefer the smoother consistency so there’s no risk of visible bumps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Because treatment is delivered to the face, most patients want to know what the treatment experience is like. Although every patient poses unique needs and concerns, the treatment process itself is fairly standard. We’ll start with a consultation, which allows us to take your medical history and perform a facial analysis. This is your chance to discuss your treatment goals so that we can, in turn, craft a treatment plan that delivers the desired results.

On the day of treatment, we’ll start by cleansing the treatment site. If a topical numbing agent needs to be applied, we’ll take this step next. We’ll then proceed with placing targeted injections in the designated area. This process generally takes an hour, sometimes less depending upon the number of areas we’re treating.

Is This Treatment Different From Botox?

The answer is yes. This injectable restores volume for a smooth, natural look and feel. Botox, on the other hand, temporarily relaxes muscles without filling folds and wrinkles. This limits skin movement so lines and wrinkles cannot show. Many times, patients choose to combine the two treatments for broader results.

When Will I See Results?

This differs slightly for every patient, but most see immediate results. Meaning, you’ll notice visibly plumper and softer skin before you leave our office. Full effects will continue developing in the coming days, so expect additional aesthetic changes. These often include firmer and brighter skin, more plumping, and more definition.

Is Treatment Painful?

Thanks to the formula’s smooth consistency and fine needle application, this injectable causes minimal discomfort. And, as we discussed earlier, the inclusion of lidocaine eases anxiety and makes for an easy treatment experience.

Do Results Look Natural?

Absolutely. We like to follow the motto that less is more when it comes to injectables, which helps us deliver subtle, natural enhancements that only suggest something about your appearance is different. Whether you’re laughing, smiling, or frowning, you’ll still look like you.

Will Hyaluronic Acid Benefit My Skin?

We already touched on the hydrating effects of HA, but its benefits extend even further to include:

• Dewy skin that looks fresh and bouncy
• Reduced puffiness
• Natural correction of fine lines around the eyes
• Skin that retains its moisture for longer

A Unique Treatment

While it may seem that all dermal fillers are created equally, we can assure you they’re not. Juvederm provides dependable results in a minimally-invasive way that reduces pain, helps you look more youthful, and supports overall skin health. Schedule your consultation today by calling Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, Shelbyville, and Danville, IN, and Healdsburg and Ukiah, CA.