Port St. Lucie Medical Wellness

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. It contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, which is produced by the microbe that causes botulism. Manufactured by Allergan, Inc., it is used to treat permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin that are formed by the continual contraction of facial muscles. In addition to its cosmetic applications, it is used to treat a number of medical problems, including excessive sweating, overactive bladder, neck spasms, crossed eyes, chronic back and jaw pain, and migraines. Applications for BOTOX Cosmetic Although originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of eye and muscle spasms, BOTOX Cosmetic was quickly recognized for its cosmetic value. Properly placed injections of BOTOX Cosmetic block nerve impulses sent to muscles, weakening them to the point where they cannot contract, and temporarily eliminating moderately severe furrows and lines. BOTOX Cosmetic is used to treat the following: Forehead furrows Frown lines Crow's feet Skin bands on the neck According to Allergan, BOTOX Cosmetic has been "extensively researched, with approximately 2500 studies." BOTOX Cosmetic Procedure and Results Using a very fine needle, BOTOX Cosmetic is injected directly into facial muscles that are causing furrows and lines. Receiving the injections requires no anesthetic, but some doctors choose to numb the area to be injected with ice packs or a topical anesthetic cream. Results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment, and typically last up to four months, although areas that are treated on a regular basis may retain results longer. Injections should be given only by qualified medical professionals. Side Effects of BOTOX Cosmetic Injection-site side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic are usually mild and temporary, and include the following: Pain Infection Inflammation Tenderness Swelling Redness Bleeding Bruising Normal activities may be resumed immediately after receiving injections.

One of the most flattering things of a person’s profile is having a chiseled, defined chin. If you have excess fat under your chin or a double chin, then you may feel a bit self-conscious about your profile and overall appearance. But, unless you want to undergo surgery, you may think that you are stuck with your double chin. One thing that you may not realize is that you have another option to choose from including an injection called Kybella. What Is Kybella? Kybella is an FDA approved injectable that is designed to help destroy fat cells under the chin. Once Kybella is injected into the fat under the chin it works to dissolve the fat and leave you with a more defined profile. How Many Kybella Treatments Will I need? During your initial consultation with our staff, we will better be able to determine just how many treatments you will need. You may receive a total of six treatments, but on average, patients see visible results in just two to four treatments spaced one month apart. Is Kybella Right for Me? Typically, Kybella is good for patients who are otherwise healthy and who: Are bothered by the fat under their chin Feel like their double chin makes them look older or heavier set than they actually are Don’t want to go through surgery Eat well and exercise a lot but can’t get rid of their double chin How Does Kybella Work? The main ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid which works to naturally breakdown and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, Kybella works to destroy the fat cells and give patients a noticeably thinner profile. How Many People Have Been Treated With Kybella? Kybella has been the central focus in over 20 clinical studies in which more than 1600 people were treated. How Long Does Kybella Last For? One of the many benefits of Kybella, is that because it works to actually destroy existing fat cells, results should be permanent and no further treatment may be necessary for maintenance. Is Kybella Expensive? The cost of Kybella varies from provider to provider but if you want to save money on the overall cost of Kybella then enroll in the Brilliant Distinctions Rewards Program which will allow you to earn points on each treatment and redeem them for savings on future treatments. What Are The Side Effects of Kybella? The most common side effects of Kybella are swelling, pain, numbness, bruising, redness, and hardness around the treatment site. Additionally, some patients experience problems such as ulcers, hair loss, bruising, trouble swallowing, injury to the jaw that can cause an uneven smile or facial weakness, and necrosis around the injection site. Does Kybella sound like something that you are interested in learning a little more about? Schedule your Kybella consultation and call our office today!

For many years, the medical community has been acutely aware of the body’s natural regenerative qualities. Physicians across all fields, including orthopedics, dentistry, and sports medicine, have implemented protocols that work synergistically with the body. The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is common for promoting joint recovery and managing degenerative disease. It was only a matter of time before science discovered the value that PRP held for the body’s largest organ: the skin. We are pleased to offer PRP treatments to help our patients address their cosmetic concerns. What is PRP? PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is an organic substance that has long been advocated for its ability to facilitate tissue regeneration and wound healing. The substance exists in every person’s blood, which makes it safe and convenient. PRP is obtained through a simple blood draw and centrifuge (spinning) process. Centrifugation of the blood separates nutrient-rich platelets from red blood cells and other product. Platelets are valuable because they contain a large number of growth factors. These include epithelial and vascular epithelial growth factors as well as fibroblast and connective tissue growth factors. Each type of growth promotes vital processes such as inflammatory response, blood vessel regeneration, tissue remodeling, and cell proliferation. What are the benefits of platelet-rich plasma injections? The growth factors contained in platelet-rich plasma are involved in almost every regenerative process in the body. When PRP is injected just beneath the skin, it stimulates collagen proliferation through which a number of benefits occur. PRP injections add volume to areas of the face that have begun to droop or atrophy. The cheeks can be rounded out and under eye hollows that cause dark circles and bags can be softened. Due to ongoing collagen remodeling, PRP injections also promote softer, smoother, tighter skin over time. Injections of platelet-rich plasma are also beneficial because they are safe for all skin types and tones. The organic nature of treatment, using your own blood product, significantly reduces the potential for side effects such as allergic response. How does PRP work for aesthetic rejuvenation? Platelet-rich plasma is used in two ways to improve the appearance and overall vitality of the skin. The product may be injected beneath wrinkles, hollows, and areas of deflation and it may also be applied topically in a gentle microneedling procedure. The way that PRP improves texture, volume, and radiance is by inducing numerous regenerative processes. The various growth factors that exist within blood plasma provide essential proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and other nutrients to the skin. Proteins are integral to the formation of fibrin polymer which lays a strong foundation for firm, youthful tissue. Platelets within the plasma naturally respond to injuries in the body, prompting accelerated tissue regeneration through vascular and cellular regrowth. How long do PRP injections take? PRP treatment with injections takes only slightly longer than an average injectable treatment. We begin with a standard blood draw. If desired, a topical numbing cream can be applied to the treatment area while blood is processed in the centrifuge. This takes just a few minutes. The provider carefully observes the face and may mark areas where injections are recommended. The entire process is typically complete within 15 to 20 minutes. Microneedling with PRP is also brief, taking approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. What happens after the PRP Procedure? Patients can resume normal activity immediately following their PRP procedure. Slight redness and swelling should be expected. Some patients notice minor bruising. These side effects typically disappear within the first day after treatment. How long will it take to see results? Patients who undergo microneedling with PRP may notice an immediate boost in the radiance and softness of their skin. PRP injections work beneath the surface to restructure the collagen matrix in superficial tissue, so results from injections alone become more noticeable after a few weeks. As healing mechanisms increase, patients notice improvements such as: Smoother texture due to improved collagen formation. More radiance due to new blood vessel formation. Fresher, younger-looking skin due to the influx of vital nutrients. What are the advantages of PRP vs. other injectables? Studies have indicated that patients treated with platelet-rich plasma facials and facelifts find that their results continue to improve over time. Several months after treatment, the effects of cellular regeneration may be even more noticeable than they are right after microneedling or injections. This is because plasma stimulates cellular activity in which collagen and elastin are remodeled.

Intense pulse light or IPL is a laser treatment that is used to treat skin conditions and remove signs of photoaging like uneven texture, spots, and wrinkles. As one of the most popular non-invasive treatment options out there, it’s no wonder that more and more patients keep coming back for more. How Many IPL Treatments Will I Need? Depending on your skin type and your concerns, we usually recommend that patients undergo a series of five treatments that are spaced about four weeks apart. In some instances, we may recommend some additional sessions but we will go over all of that in detail during your initial consultation. How Long Does Each Session Take? On average, each session takes about 20-30 minutes but that can vary from patient to patient. Is IPL Right For Me? The best way for you to determine whether or not IPL is right for you is by scheduling a consultation with our office. During your consultation we will go over your skin concerns and discuss the different treatment options that you have available to you including IPL. Does IPL Work On All Skin Types? Lighter skinned people who don’t use self-tanning products or who do not have a history of excessive tanning respond better to IPL than other patients. However, we will be able to give you a more definitive answer during your consultation. How Does IPL Work? IPL works in a similar way that laser works. But how? Like with laser, IPL uses energy that is absorbed into the targeted cells in the skin that have pigmentation. Specifically, when the light energy comes in contact with the skin, it turns into heat energy which causes damage to specific areas of the skin like sun spots or age spots. Once these areas are heated up, the skin responds by creating newer healthier skin in the process. What Can IPL Treat? One of the many unique benefits of IPL is that it can be used to treat a variety of different skin concerns including: Rosacea Facial flushing Red chests and necks Brown spots Sun damage Enlarged pores Spider veins What Is Recovery Like? Typically, patients can go right back to their normal activities including wearing makeup and exercising. We do, however, encourage patients to avoid any sun exposure because it may cause unwanted pigmentation. Are There Side Effects of IPL? Usually there are no side effects of IPL but some patients may appear to have a sunburn for a few hours after treatment. Other rare side effects of IPL include blistering, unwanted changes in pigmentation, scarring, swelling, and infection. Is IPL Expensive Depending on the provider that you end up going with, it will determine how expensive it is going to be. Overall, IPL is more affordable than other treatments. To learn more about IPL and whether or not it’s a good treatment for you, schedule a consultation appointment at our office today and we will get you taken care of.

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses pulsed laser energy to remove unwanted hair from a targeted area, while leaving surrounding skin unharmed. Common areas on which laser hair removal is performed are the chin, upper lip, chest, underarms, back, bikini line and legs. Although there are many temporary treatments, including tweezing, shaving, using depilatory creams and waxing, to remove unwanted hair, patients seeking more permanent and less irritating/painful methods are frequently good candidates for laser hair removal. Through what is a safe and usually painless procedure, hair can be removed from nearly any area of the body (the eye area is an exception because of the possibility of serious eye damage). Candidates for Laser Hair Removal Because the laser beams used to remove hair target its melanin (pigment), the best candidates have dark hair and light skin. Conversely, those with blond, red, gray or white hair and dark skin are usually not good candidates. Recent technological advances have made laser hair removal for those with dark skin more successful, while techniques for using lasers to effectively remove light-colored hair are being investigated. Benefits of Laser Hair Removal There are many benefits to having unwanted hair removed through the use of laser therapy. They include the following: Hair is precisely targeted Procedure is quick Results are permanent (for 90 percent of patients) or long-lasting For many patients, laser hair removal is painless, although some experience minor discomfort, usually described as something like a rubber band's snapping against the skin. Laser Hair Removal Procedure Laser hair removal is performed while the target area is numbed by a topical anesthetic. A handheld device that emits intense laser pulses is moved across the area, focusing on individual hair follicles. There are several different methods of laser hair removal, some of which combine laser impulses with radiofrequency. The appropriate method for each patient is decided in consultation with the physician administering treatment. Hair growth takes place cyclically, in three stages. The most effective laser hair removal takes place during the andogen (full-growth) stage, because the hair follicles in this stage are susceptible to laser energy. But, because all hair is not in the same stage of growth at any given time, several laser treatments, usually between three and five, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, are necessary. To some extent, the length of treatment depends on the texture of the patient's hair, and the location from which it is being removed. Recovery from Laser Hair Removal Some redness, soreness or swelling may occur immediately after laser hair removal, but they almost always disappear within a few days. Cold compresses or ice packs, moisturizers, and anti-inflammatory creams may minimize discomfort. Sun exposure should be avoided as much as possible for some period of time. Complications of Laser Hair Removal The most common complication of laser hair removal is the regrowth of the unwanted hair. Frequently, however, the hair that regrows is finer and lighter than the hair that was removed. Usually, regrowth can be addressed with a few additional treatment sessions. Other complications that may arise after laser hair treatment include skin irritation such as blistering and crusting; changes in pigmentation or texture of the skin; and scarring at the removal site.

Modern technology provides a variety of successful laser resurfacing treatments for improving the condition of the skin. Laser skin treatments employ focused beams of light energy to counteract the effects on the skin of acne, aging, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, scars, or poor nutrition. Resurfacing laser treatments are safe and efficient, requiring little downtime to provide effective results. Much less invasive than dermabrasion and chemical peels, laser treatments remove damaged skin and rejuvenate the patient's appearance. Most of the time, such treatments are sought for the face, but may also be performed on other parts of the body. Reasons for Laser Resurfacing Patients seek laser resurfacing for a variety of reasons, all related to discontent with their appearance. Laser resurfacing may be performed for any of the following reasons: To decrease or eliminate wrinkles or stretchmarks To diminish the appearance of scars To rejuvenate non-responsive skin after a facelift To remove age spots or spider veins To repair sun-damaged skin To improve skin tone due to melasma or other causes To remove warts or birthmarks To decrease the size of enlarged pores To remove tattoos Types of Laser Resurfacing There are two basic types of laser resurfacing treatments: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative Laser Resurfacing Ablative laser treatments, which penetrate more deeply, actually cause a wound, since they remove a layer of skin. Since ablative resurfacing actually vaporizes a layer of the skin, it provides more dramatic results and requires fewer sessions, but also requires a longer period of healing. Non-Ablative Resurfacing Non-ablative treatments do not burn away skin tissue, but use laser energy to stimulate collagen growth and tighten underlying skin. Non-ablative resurfacing is gentler than ablative and requires less downtime, but may necessitate more treatment sessions and may yield less dramatic results. In general, non-ablative laser treatments are used when the repair needed is less extensive. Also, non-ablative treatments are recommended for people of color for whom ablative resurfacing may be more likely to cause unsightly changes in pigmentation. A form of ablative resurfacing known as fractional ablative laser is now increasingly in use. This procedure targets more specific regions so that laser microbeams pinpoint and peel away smaller areas of skin. During fractional laser surfacing, no visible wounds are caused, so, although results are more noticeable, less downtime is necessary than after conventional ablative treatments. For some individuals, fractional ablative laser resurfacing represents the best of both worlds. The Laser Resurfacing Procedure Laser treatments for skin conditions are typically performed in the doctor's office with topical anesthesia. Procedures typically take between 30 and 90 minutes to perform, depending on the size and location of the treated area. While some individuals will notice significant results after just one treatment, particularly with ablative procedures, many patients will require multiple sessions in order to achieve the desired results. It is also possible that additional touch-up treatments will be needed at a future date. Risks of Laser Resurfacing Although laser skin treatment is considered safe for most patients and is typically performed with no long-term complications, there are certain risks associated with any type of medical procedure. While considered rare, risks may include: Infection Scarring Redness Pigmentation changes Acne Milia, tiny white bumps on the skin Recovery from Laser Resurfacing Recovery from laser resurfacing procedures varies according to the particular procedure undergone and the individual patient's skin type. In all cases, however, patients who have undergone these treatments should avoid sun exposure wherever possible. Recovery from Non-ablative Laser Resurfacing After treatment, patients may experience redness and peeling at the treated site as the skin heals. The duration of these side effects varies, but is commonly several days. Ice packs may ease discomfort and improve appearance. Normal activities can be resumed during healing, and makeup may be applied to camouflage any unwanted, evidence of treatment. Recovery from Ablative Laser Resurfacing After ablative laser resurfacing, the treated skin will temporarily be raw, swollen and itchy and the yellowish liquid that oozes from treated areas may form crusts. After treatment, a thick ointment, such as petroleum jelly, and a watertight dressing will be applied to the affected area.

Spider veins (telangiectasias) are small, thin blood vessels visible beneath the skin. They usually develop on the face or legs, and may look like a series of thin tree branches or strands of a spider web. Although most spider veins are only a cosmetic issue, for some people they can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling and leg-cramping. Spider veins are extremely common, affecting nearly half of the adult population of the United States. Many patients are bothered when spider veins develop on prominent areas such as the legs or face, and seek treatment to eliminate them. Many spider-vein treatments are highly effective and minimally invasive, offering aesthetically pleasing results without painful or lengthy downtime. Causes of and Risk Factors for Spider Veins Spider veins develop from a backflow of blood in the veins. This condition, which results from damaged valves in the veins, is called "venous reflux." As blood collects in these veins, their walls distend. This increases the size of the veins, and makes them visible under the surface of the skin. Risk factors for developing spider veins include the following: Increasing age Hormonal changes Pregnancy Obesity Lack of exercise Sun exposure Having a family history of spider veins is also a risk factor for developing them. Diagnosis and Treatment of Spider Veins Spider veins, which are diagnosed through a physical examination of the patient, an analysis of symptoms and, sometimes, diagnostic ultrasound, can be treated in a number of ways, all of which are minimally invasive. Compression Stockings The simplest solution for treating spider veins is for the patient to wear compression stockings, which put pressure on the affected veins and promote blood flow back to the heart. This method is designed to control the symptoms of spider veins, not remove them. Sclerotherapy Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosant, a solution designed to collapse them, into the veins. This procedure is performed in a doctor's office. Each treatment takes approximately one hour, and a typical patient requires two to four treatments. Endovenous Laser Treatment Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), which is also called "laser ablation," consists of inserting a catheter with a laser probe attached to it directly into the vein. The laser heat seals off the damaged vein, and diverts blood flow to healthier vessels. The above treatments have fewer side effects, cause less pain and have shorter recovery times than traditional surgical-vein-removal procedures. Prevention of Spider Veins Although there is no sure way to prevent spider veins, making certain lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of developing them. Lifestyle changes include losing weight, exercising regularly, and wearing support stockings and comfortable, flat shoes. It is also important to move the legs frequently, especially during long periods of sitting or standing in one place.

Tattoos no longer have to be permanent. Intense, fast-pulse Q-switched lasers can remove or significantly lighten a tattoo by training pulsing light on the tattoo's ink particles, which convert the energy to heat and break up into tiny pieces that are absorbed harmlessly by the body, without any damage to surrounding tissue. Ideal candidates for laser tattoo removal are typically fair-skinned, and have tattoos that are on areas, such as the arms, legs, buttocks or chest, that have a greater concentration of body fat. Prior to laser, techniques for removing tattoos included dermabrasion, cryosurgery and surgical excision. The Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure A few hours before the laser tattoo removal procedure begins, it is recommended that acetaminophen be taken to help minimize discomfort. Just before the procedure begins, the patient is given a shield to protect his or her eyes from the laser. A topical anesthetic is applied to the skin; in some instances, a cooling system is used before, during and after the procedure to help with discomfort. The tattoo removal specialist then tests the skin's response to the laser to determine the most effective approach, and intense nanosecond pulses are sent from the Q-switched laser to the skin. Each laser tattoo removal session lasts only a few minutes and, at the end of each session, the tattoo is iced for about 30 minutes. A topical antibiotic and a bandage are then applied. Patients are advised to keep the skin around the tattooed area dry, and to treat it as if it were sunburned. Results and Risks of Laser Tattoo Removal Depending on the complexity of the tattoo, removal results vary. Simple tattoos may be eliminated within four treatment sessions, while more complicated tattoos might require ten or more. Although they rarely occur, there are certain side effects associated with laser tattoo removal. They include hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, infection and permanent scarring.

The inevitability of age is that cells and systems in the body degenerate. This degenerative process leads to a variety of ailments, most often causing persistent pain, stiffness and limited range of motion. By regenerating and in some cases replacing damaged cells, organs and tissues, pain and injury can be reversed to a degree. Regenerative medicine encompasses those efforts to rescue or replace damaged, diseased or dead tissue in the body. Aside from the changes that accompany aging, regenerative medicine can also be applied to the treatment of sports injuries, chronic pain, joint pain, hormonal imbalance and many other issues. An experienced regenerative medicine professional works with you to develop an effective plan to restore well-being using your body’s natural ability to stimulate healing. Types of Regenerative Medicine Regenerative medicine is a broad term covering a range of treatments. Hallmark therapies include: Stem Cell Therapy Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) IV Therapy Tissue Engineering Prolotherapy Exosomes Anti-Aging Treatments These treatments meet a wide range of needs and alleviate various symptoms. You can live a pain-free, more active life in most cases. While the use of stem cells is what most people associate with this field, there are actually many areas of study and clinical application. Other aspects of regenerative medicine involve organ and tissue transplants, scaffolding, devices and biomaterials. Regenerative Medicine Questions You deserve clear answers about your treatment options. Contact us to get the full details on our services. What does regenerative medicine mean? Regenerative medicine focuses on obtaining, developing and delivering cells in order to restore or repair the normal functioning of body systems. What can regenerative medicine be used for? This branch of medicine has many applications, including the treatment of: Knee pain Back pain Neck pain Shoulder pain Sports injuries Arthritis Elbow pain Ankle pain Wrist and hand pain Hip pain Foot pain Toe pain and numbness This list is not exhaustive. During a consultation, you can find out whether the ailment, injury or illness can be addressed with these types of interventions. How effective is regenerative medicine? Regenerative medicine is effective for certain people experiencing certain ailments or diseases. Because there are so many therapies within regenerative medicine, the effectiveness of each branch has its own factors. Your regenerative medicine provider will discuss the studied effectiveness, risks and benefits with you as part of your consultation. Are stem cells used in regenerative medicine? Yes, stem cells are an important part of regenerative medicine. Many people use the phrases interchangeably, and stem cells are the most common association with the term “regenerative medicine.” In fact, stem cells are just one of the very exciting areas in this field of research and clinical practice. What are the benefits of regenerative medicine? This branch of medicine has many promising benefits as well as observed benefits: Reduces pain Enhances healing Jumpstarts the process of regeneration Increases collagen production, which in turn strengthens tissues May make it possible to avoid surgery and/or pharmaceutical drugs Harnesses the power of your body’s ability to heal and repair itself Focuses on the root cause of an ailment, not the symptoms alone May provide relief that you have not been able to achieve with other treatments Consulting an experienced provider is the only way to know if it will be beneficial for you specifically. Who is a good candidate? You may be a good candidate for regenerative medicine if any of the following apply: Seeking an alternative to joint surgery or joint replacement Tendon or ligament injuries Joint pain Arthritis Pain in the hips, knees, shoulders, wrists, elbows, fingers, toes, neck or back Spinal pain ACL/MCL tears Rotator cuff injury Meniscus tear Temporomandibular joint disorder Headaches caused by neck pain Limited range of motion in any of your joints In a consultation or over the phone, we can better determine your candidacy. Regenerative medicine can be a great way to address pain or degenerative diseases. Schedule a Regenerative Medicine Consultation The next step in the process is scheduling your consultation with an experienced regenerative medicine provider. After listening to your concerns and reviewing your medical history, all therapeutic options will be reviewed with you.