RaymondMD Aesthetics

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive skin-exfoliation procedure designed to treat sun damage, scars, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. In addition to its cosmetic benefits, microdermabrasion helps to enhance circulation and lymph flow. Results are immediately visible, and there is no downtime for the patient, who can immediately resume regular activities. Performed in-office, microdermabrasion does not require anesthesia, and can be combined with other procedures such as chemical peels or laser treatment. Microdermabrasion is a much less invasive procedure than dermabrasion, which is used to treat more serious skin problems. Dermabrasion, in which several layers of skin are removed, is considered a surgical treatment. The Microdermabrasion Procedure During the microdermabrasion procedure, which is usually performed by an aesthetician, a handheld device is used to transmit tiny crystals of aluminum oxide across the targeted treatment area. The crystals and dead skin are then suctioned away with a vacuum tool, revealing fresh underlying skin. A treatment session can last from five to 60 minutes. The results of a single microdermabrasion treatment are temporary. For continued improvement, treatment should be repeated every 2 to 4 weeks. Risks of Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion is considered safe for all skin types, and is appropriate for Asian and dark-skinned patients who may be at risk for skin discoloration with other types of treatment. There are no serious risks associated with microdermabrasion, although some patients experience mild redness and irritation, and patients older than 70 may have a slightly escalated risk of bruising and skin abrasions. Avoiding sun exposure after microdermabrasion is important because it may have removed some of the skin‘s natural protection. In patients who have a history of cold sores, undergoing microdermabrasion may reactivate the virus that causes them. In those cases, avoiding treatment around the lip area and/or taking preventative antiviral medication prior to treatment may be recommended.

Statistics suggest that hair loss affects millions of men and women in our country. If you are one of them, chances are you are looking for a solution that will meet your needs. We are proud to offer an emergent treatment that has quickly developed a proven track record of success: PRP therapy. What is PRP? PRP is platelet-rich plasma, a product that is present in the blood. Platelet-rich plasma is a nutrient-dense fluid that stimulates cellular regeneration within microenvironments like the hair follicles, joints, and also the skin. Platelets are robust cells that contain numerous growth factors, each of which is involved in certain cellular processes. Platelet-rich plasma has a long history of medicinal use related to tissue healing and regeneration. It is no surprise that this therapy has made its way into the field of hair restoration. How does PRP work for hair restoration? The primary purpose of PRP treatment for hair loss is to stimulate activity in the hair follicles. This may prompt an active phase of hair growth in follicles that have become inactive. PRP injections into the scalp may also support the active phase of newly implanted hair follicles. This occurs through the action of various growth factors. Platelets contain: Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), which is involved in fibrin formation, blood vessel growth, and cell regeneration. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), involved in the formation of new blood vessels. Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2) is also involved in blood vessel formation, as well as the generation of specialized cells that heal and rejuvenate. Transforming Growth-Factor-Beta (TGF-b) is involved in bone metabolism in the body as well as matrix formation between cells. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) stimulates collagen proliferation and cell growth as well as blood vessel formation. Insulin-Like Growth Factor – (IGF) provides necessary physiological regulation in nearly every cell. Behind the scenes, PRP facilitates very sophisticated responses. On the surface, PRP can provide the results you’ve been seeking. PRP Hair Restoration Treatment There are two ways in which PRP may be introduced into the hair follicles of the scalp. One technique is to perform microneedling, which creates micro wounds to superficial tissue. PRP is then applied topically where it can penetrate the scalp through the induced injuries. Within a few minutes, the microchannels begin to heal, but not before stimulating nutrients can be absorbed. An additional and popular technique for PRP hair restoration is to inject platelet-rich plasma into the scalp in the area where hair is thinning. Treatment is conducted with a topical anesthetic which numbs the superficial tissue on the head. After drawing blood, we process the vial in a centrifuge, a piece of equipment that spins the blood to separate platelets from red blood cells. Injections are then administered to the appropriate area of the scalp. The introduction of platelet-rich plasma into the area of inactive hair follicles stimulates a regenerative process intended to activate dormant growth cycles. Most patients need a series of treatments to achieve optimal results. How long do PRP injections take for hair restoration? Injection treatment begins with a brief blood draw that takes less than a minute. The second step of centrifugation takes a few minutes, during which topical numbing medication sits on the scalp. The injection aspect of treatment is meticulous – injections are positioned every half-inch across the area of thinning. As precise as this step is, it usually takes less than thirty minutes from start to finish. What Happens After the PRP Procedure? In most cases, there is zero downtime after PRP hair treatment. Because injections stimulate an inflammatory cascade through which tissue is repaired, patients are advised NOT to take any kind of anti-inflammatory medication to manage comfort. Our staff will discuss appropriate medications or strategies to minimize the discomfort that may occur after injections. How long will it take to see results? Consistency is crucial to obtain satisfactory results from PRP hair restoration. Treatments are typically scheduled monthly for a few months. Patients can expect to begin noticing improvement within two to three months. After the initial series of treatments, injections are repeated every three to six months depending on individual response and results. The initial effect that patients may notice after treatment is that they shed fewer hairs. Over time, they can expect to see an increase in thickness and length. What Are the Advantages of This Procedure? Platelet-rich plasma is a promising hair restoration product for several reasons. First, PRP is completely organic; it is harvested from the blood. Treatment is safe and convenient, and it works.

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.

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.

It used to be that liposuction was the only type of body contouring procedure that was available to patients. However, times have luckily changed and there’s a new non-invasive, FDA approved procedure that can help get rid of stubborn, unwanted fat: CoolSculpting How Does CoolSculpting Work? CoolSculpting technology works by freezing targeted fat cells and killing them. Once the fat cells have been frozen, your body will naturally eliminate them over the process of several months; leaving you with a slimmer looking physique. Am I a Candidate for CoolSculpting? Typically, good candidates for CoolSculpting are of a healthy weight but just have a few extra pounds of fat that they want to get rid of. Additionally, patients who are good candidates for CoolSculpting also don’t smoke, aren’t pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, and are generally healthy. During your initial consultation, your physician will be able to determine whether or not CoolSculpting is right for you. What Does a CoolSculpting Treatment Feel Like? Some patients experience a slight amount of pain or discomfort during the CoolSculpting procedure itself while other patients don’t. For the most part, patients experience a strong cooling sensation that’s followed by a vacuum feeling. What Should I Do to Prepare For Treatment? The good news about CoolSculpting is that there really isn’t much you have to do to prepare for treatment. On average, we encourage patients to quit smoking several weeks before treatment and to not take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen for at least 24 hours before the procedure. What Are the Benefits of CoolSculpting? The biggest benefit of CoolSculpting is that it gives patients real results every time. And, because CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure you won’t have to worry about any sort of surgery or recovery time. Additionally, because CoolSculpting destroys the fat in the body, it permanently gets rid of it. How Long is Each Session? How Many Sessions Will I Need? Each session takes about 30-60 minutes depending on the area that’s being targeted. During the first treatment, only about 25-30% of the fat will be affected and so it may require multiple treatments. What Happens if I Gain Weight Down the Road? Just like with any sort of body contouring procedure, permanent results from CoolSculpting are not guaranteed. We encourage all of our patients to eat a healthy diet and exercise on a regular basis to maintain their results. If, however, you have gained weight back after CoolSculpting, we may recommend that you do it again but we can discuss everything in detail during an appointment. As you can see, there are several unique benefits of CoolSculpting. If CoolSculpting sounds like something that you want to learn more about, schedule your consultation at our office today!

Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin to make skin smoother, reduce scarring and remove blemishes. Ranging from mild to strong, there are several types of chemical peels. RaymondMD Aesthetics offers trichloroacetic acid (TCA), glycolic, salicylic, and fruit enzyme. The strength of each peel is tailored to the patient. Peels can be combined with other procedures for additional improvement to skin. Chemical Peel Procedure During a chemical peel, the skin is cleansed and the solution is applied, which may cause a brief stinging sensation. Petroleum jelly or a waterproof adhesive tape may be put on the skin. Side Effects of Chemical Peels A chemical peel can result in tingling or throbbing, reddened skin, a crust or scab, and significant swelling that lasts, depending on the strength of the peel used, about a week. After a chemical peel, it is essential that the skin be protected from the sun.

TAKE YOUR GLOW FURTHER Leading with innovation and backed by science, DiamondGlow® is a new way to unlock your skin's potential and reveal your radiance. We Don't Just Skim the Surface DiamondGlow® is more than a facial. Unlike traditional wet facial treatments, which rely on chemical exfoliation to treat skin at surface level, DiamondGlow’s® patented recessed diamond tip wand delivers a next-level resurfacing treatment that deeply cleans and rejuvenates the skin. 3X1™ TECHNOLOGY IN ONE SIMPLE STEP Exfoliates - To uncover renewed skin Extracts - To deeply cleanse the skin and remove debris from pores Infuses skin - With nourishing SkinMedica Pro-Infusion Serums DIAMONDGLOW® AND SKINMEDICA®: UNITED IN SKINCARE SCIENCE. DiamondGlow® is powered by SkinMedica® Pro-Infusion Serums, infused onto the skin when pores are still open and most receptive. RADIANT RESULTS THAT LAST. Just 1 DiamondGlow® session enhances clarity and luminosity. You’ll love your instantly dewy, brighter skin, infused with nourishing SkinMedica® Pro-Infusion Serums. But even better, you’ll see continued improvement with each treatment.

Morpheus8 for the face is a microneedling treatment that is quickly gaining popularity among dermatologists, aestheticians, and other providers. It uses fractional radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of the skin. Microneedles penetrate the skin and deliver RF energy to the deeper layers during a session. This process results in a decrease in wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and other common complexion concerns. What Is Morpheus8? Morpheus8 for the face is a revolutionary treatment that can help improve wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging with an FDA-cleared device. Morpheus8 uses microneedling technology and radiofrequency energy to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which can help improve skin tone and texture. The Morpheus8 treatment for the face is a minimally-invasive treatment that can take place in a doctor’s office. The treatment is relatively quick, and no downtime is required afterward. Some patients may experience some redness and swelling immediately after the treatment, but this typically subsides within a few hours or days. What Skin Concerns Can Morpheus8 Treat? The Morpheus8 treatment is suitable for all skin tones and requires little or no downtime. Various skin concerns can be addressed with Morpheus8 treatments. When handled by an experienced individual, it can: Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Improve the appearance of sagging skin by firming and tightening it Ensure smooth skin Ensure that pores do not appear large Relieve acne scarring and hyperpigmentation Reduce the appearance of stretch marks Remove a small amount of fat just beneath the skin (not enough to reduce facial volume significantly) Morpheus8 works by creating microscopic channels, which allow the device to deliver radiofrequency energy to the deeper layers of the skin. This energy then helps to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are proteins that support smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin. There are also several places on the body that can benefit from the treatment, including the abdomen, buttocks, chest, arms, and knees, but it is widely used on the face and neck (particularly to treat jowls, to firm the jawline, and to enhance the area around the mouth). What Happens During a Morhpeus8 Session? Prior to treatment, numbing cream may be applied to the area to make it more comfortable. On the treated area, 1-3 passes will be conducted with the Morpheus8 device. Using the special applicator with coated pins, fat and connective tissue will be gently warmed, resulting in tighter skin, reduced wrinkles, and overall rejuvenation. Most people require three treatment sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, to achieve optimal results. The entire treatment session will last for about 30 to 60 minutes. After the treatment, you may notice some redness and swelling in the treated area, but this is normal and should resolve within a few days. Morpheus8 Recovery and Aftercare Recovery from Morpheus8 is relatively easy, with only a few days of social downtime involved. For approximately one to three days following treatment, you may experience redness, itching, and swelling. You can take care of your skin after a Morpheus8 treatment by: Turning over scabbing and crusting with exfoliating cleansers and enzymatic masks Staying away from anything that irritates your skin until it has healed Avoiding direct sun exposure and using sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 Utilizing products containing growth factors, peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinol to maintain your results after the initial healing process is complete How Long Does It Take To See Results? Typically, patients will see initial results within a few days after their treatment. However, full results may take three to six months to appear, as collagen production takes time. But the results from Morpheus8 are long-lasting, and patients can expect to see a gradual and significant improvement in the appearance of their skin with maintenance sessions. Schedule Your Morpheus8 Skin Treatment Schedule a Morpheus8 consultation at our office. It’s time to enjoy the skin of your dreams!

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!

Hyperhidrosis (excess sweating) Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that's not always related to heat or exercise. Treatment: Botox in the underarms, palms and soles temporarily blocks the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate sweat glands, reducing sweat production in that area. Cryotherapy Cryotherapy is a minimally-invasive treatment that freezes skin surface lesions using extremely cold liquid or instruments (cryogen).Skin lesions are skin growths or patches that don’t look like the skin around them. The lesions can be: Benign (not cancerous). Actinic keratosis. These are precancerous skin cancers that look like scaly patches on your skin, and they can turn into cancer in the future. Superficial skin cancer (skin cancer that’s on the surface of your skin). Cryotherapy also helps save the area around the lesions and to reduce the scarring as much as possible. Skin Tag Removal Skin tag removal can be accomplished via a number of different methods. Cryotherapy: this method freezes off the skin tag using liquid nitrogen. Electrocautery: an electric probe or needle is used to burn off the skin tag Excision: skin tag is cut off/removed Red Spots / Broken capillaries Electrocautery: Using heat dispensed through a fine needle-like tip, electrocautery vaporizes dilated blood vessels so they disappear. This treatment will reduce redness and eliminate broken capillaries from the area of concern. Multiple treatments may be needed to achieve best results. Treatments with Lumecca IPL can be used on broken capillaries on face and body. TMJ / Jaw Pain Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders are conditions affecting the jaw joints and surrounding muscles and ligaments. It can be caused by trauma, an improper bite, arthritis or wear and tear. Common symptoms include jaw tenderness, headaches, earaches and facial pain. Treatment: Botox can help relax the muscles in your jaw and is a highly effective treatment for TMJ symptoms. Botox treatments to the masseter muscle located on each side of the jaw significantly can decrease pain and increase mouth movements for three months following the treatment.