Category Archives: Sculptra

How to Stay Younger Longer

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Chill Out! How to Stay Younger Longer

Dr. Bonnie Marting DNP ARNP

Are you afraid of pretty much everything coming down the road, having physical discomfort (whether true or anticipated), or just living nervously due to fear of the unknown? If this is you, you may have one more thing to worry about: Getting older sooner!
The devil is in the details, or at least, in the telomere. This most important of guardians, the telomere is a protective coating at the end of each chromosome, which protects the chromosome from unusual damage.
Chromosomes contain necessary information for replication (even though we stay who we are, our cells need to replicate, hopefully in the manner originally intended) and without the protective coverings of the telomeres, the information could be lost due to extreme degradation of the chromosomes. The length of the telomeres (the protective covering on the end of the chromosomes) helps to determine the degree of protection of the actual chromosome, in other words, how much of the original material will be protected. The original material was meant to be, we want it protected.
OK, the point of the story has arrived. Phobias, worry, anxiety, any term related to these conditions, create circumstances in which the telomeres become shortened. They become worn down by this “stress” created from within its housing entity (you). The shorter the telomere, basically, the quicker you will age!!!

Politics is stressful. This is only 7 years of calendar aging!

Cancer, cognitive disease, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular disease can cause this to happen too, but the mental aspect is much more treatable. With motivation it may be treatable with only minimal outside help. Early identification and treatment are necessary.
For those suffering from forms of anxiety, fear, or nervousness, I strongly suggest the book, or audio series “Psychocybernetics” originally written in 1960 by an incredibly observant and thoughtful plastic surgeon, Maxwell Maltz. There is a rewritten version, done in 2001 by Dan Kennedy, which is also good, but I suggest getting the original book if you can find it. You can find it either on Amazon, or in some Barnes and Noble stores. This book, or audio, could literally change your life, for the better. Hopefully after reading this book, or listening to the audio version, you will see the value in “Chilling Out” rather than “Burning Out”.

Watch Years Literally Disappear

Dr. Bonnie Marting DNP ARNP

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Though Sculptra has been approved and used in the US for over five years, many people still haven’t heard of it. Little do they realize that this injectable facial filler is a tried and true collagen booster that allows your skin to naturally reverse the aging process.

Believe me, I know, it sounds too good to be true. But the pictures above show you just how dramatic the results can be. This product stands alone in its ability to improve the contour of your face and eliminate wrinkles.
Sculptra naturally and gently replaces and grows collagen lost over time. Quite simply, using this product will erase years off your face. And it does it in a good, healthy way. Not only does it stimulate collagen, but the newly produced collagen is healthier than what it replaced. That’s because it doesn’t have those nasty free radicals I’m constantly telling you about. This increased growth depends on better vascular function and so nourishment to your skin is amplified.

What does this mean to you exactly? Well for one, less wrinkles and a more youthful presentation. It also results in improved facial contour. As we age, many of us lose the gentle slope that gives our faces the fuller, rounded cheekbones. You can see that clearly below in this beautiful ladies improved appearance. It’s amazing this is the same person.
That’s just how incredible using this filler can be! It doesn’t happen overnight, but it doesn’t take long at all to begin to see the results. You’ll enjoy incredible softness and look great. People will tell you how refreshed and youthful you look.

So remember the name Sculptra. It is the best thing you can use to achieve magical results without plastic surgery!

Beauty and Your Pocketbook With Botox, Sculptra & More

Dr. Bonnie Marting DNP ARNP

Dr. Bonnie Marting

I advise all clients to shop around when they’re trying to choose a provider to do their beauty procedures. Though you’re not exactly car-shopping, many of the same techniques to help you decide should be used. You are looking for comfort, safety, performance and price.

One big exception to that analogy is that we are talking about your face here, so when asking about products, realize that you’re also paying for the security of knowing the medical provider is skilled, the product will be able to provide you with what result you’re looking for, and that the price is something you can accept.

So, with that said- what are some average prices for the most commonly used beauty enhancements? Unfortunately this is a tough question because it varies so much. Lets deal with the most popular treatment first, Botox. In some cases, Botox can vary between $150 dollars to $1,200. This is an extreme difference! Why would one office charge $200 for Botox while another bills you $1200? That’s the type of question that will arise when you do internet searches or even call around in your area for price points. They rarely give you any details, just “special prices.” So what are you to do?

Botox 
First look at the unit cost. If you ask the office for a unit price, they should be able to tell you. And if you know the unit price and have had the procedure before, you can estimate the total by multiplying that unit cost (say 15 dollars a unit) by the number of units used previously. But that wont help if they charge by the area. Some offices charge by facial areas. Many will say “3 areas covered” in the total price. So if you have a frown line between your eyes, that would be one area, and your crow’s feet (naturally one on each side) would be two more, for a total of 3 areas treated.

Here is a little quick advice: NEVER shop for the cheapest price point then show up for your appointment prepared to only pay that much. Remember, many times if something sounds too good to be true- as in $150 dollars for a Botox treatment, it probably isnt. Many times when you get in the office, the rate changes or suddenly there was a “misunderstanding”. Don’t be so intimidated you just stay. Leave and leave fast.

The new kid on the block in muscle relaxers is Dysport. And it’s an excellent product. Unfortunately Dysport is measured in a different manner, so the advice above regarding units only pertains to the Botox product line. The “by area” price with still hold true with either of them though.
Now lets look at some popular filler guidelines for you to use in your search-

Restylane and Juvederm
You may have seen advertised specials for Restylane and Juvederm ranging between 300 dollars to 700 dollars. Both of these hyaluronic acids will be great fillers for you, but beware if the price touted drops below 300 dollars. Many times a special in this price point has hidden in fine print it is only for a half-syringe. That amount won’t do much unless your needs are for very, very subtle changes. With that said the average price you should expect to see for these products are between $500 and $600 dollars. (It could be a bit more if you’re receiving Perlane or Juvederm Plus because they are larger molecule products).

As I’ve said many times, dont be taken in by the highest prices, but be even warier of the lowest…many times these offices are desperate. An office producing great results with qualified medical providers will never be at a loss for customers!

Sculptra
Sculptra, produced by Sanofi-Aventis, has been around since 2004. Though the cost has decreased slightly in the last 7 years, it is still pricey. Sculptra is sold by the vial (or occasionally by the cc) and the average price is $750 to $900, but I’ve seen it hit the $1500 range as well. The most important thing to remember with this procedure is the competence of the practitioner. Make sure they are experienced and an expert at these injections. In the right hands, this treatment is absolutely phenomenal. The results are not immediate, but they are impressive as they begin to take effect and transform your face making you look younger and more refreshed.

Radiesse
Radiesse is another product released in 2004. Back then, you really didn’t see it for less than $900, but now this robust calcium-based product is sometimes advertised for as little as $500. If you want immediate-effect sculpting, this is a super option. By comparison, a syringe of Radiesse contains 1.55 cc in contrast with the 1 cc you’ll receive in Restylane and .8cc of Juvederm amounts. Though the top of the line Radiesse can still demand $900 dollars, you’ll be amazed at the difference in your appearance. I think you’ll find it is well worth the expense.

In conclusion, whatever you do, don’t shop simply for price. Research the practitioner and their experience; the office and its volume of clients; product turnover (you don’t want anything that’s expired, do you?) and the reputation of the facility itself. In this, as in almost every purchase you make, you ususally get what you pay for. And a good reputation is worth a few extra bucks!

Sculptra Builds Your Own Collagen

Dr. Bonnie Marting DNP ARNP

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Many people are starting to talk about Sculptra- its even putting a dent in Plastic Surgeons appointment books. Sculptra is what I call the magic injectable because it stimulates new growth of your own collagen. Over time, your skin will be healthier, the collagen stronger, and your overall look will be fantastic!

Check out the picture above. You can see the dramatic difference that Sculptra made in the contour of her cheeks, her complexion, and the overall firmness and structure. Though it’s not immediate, the results are long lasting. And in only 6 months, you can literally erase 10 years off your appearance. I’ve seen patients that have achieved a 20 year difference from using this product! And the best part is- you’re doing something good for yourself.

Sculptra makes your skin healthier. It helps your own skin generate collagen that is free of harmful radicals. The new collagen gives your face a fuller, more youthful look- and yet it’s all natural. No surgery needed.

So if you’re ready to get great results, then start now by setting up an appointment with a practitioner who is skilled in administering Sculptra. In 6 months you’ll be glad you made that visit! Be sure to send me your Before and After Pictures if you’d like to show others your success, or don’t…We’ll just keep it our little secret!

Still You-Only Younger with Sculptra!

sculptra

Dr. Bonnie Marting DNP ARNP

Dr. Bonnie Marting

“There’s no way I’m going down without a fight! So if there’s a way to look younger and better, without surgery, then I’m going to try it. I want to prevent the tell-tale signs of aging that are already beginning to show. ”
The above conversation is something I hear frequently from patients. From as early as age 30, women begin to understand their youthful look really does have an expiration date.
And that’s why I love telling them about Sculptra®. It’s like a breath of fresh air. Ever since Sanofi Aventis began airing commercials informing the public about their anti aging product, more and more people have begun asking for it. It’s not a new product, as I’ve been injecting Sculptra® since it first came out in 2004. I’ve literally performed thousands of treatments during that time. It’s just that now, people are actually asking for the collagen filler by name.
So for those of you who haven’t seen the commercials, you’re probably wondering what all the ballyhoo is about. First, let me say what it is not. It is not like Restylane® or Juvederm® because it is not a hyaluronic acid. Sculptra® actually spurs the development of new collagen to the decreased areas of your face. Though it will not give you the immediate results you see with those other two products, which are great in their own right, Sculptra will have a much longer effect once it takes effect.
Sculptra® has lactic acid particles that spur on the growth of healthy, new strong collagen in your skin. The result not only tightens your existing skin, but actually prods your skin into making more collagen. And the new collagen is even healthier than what you lost, because its void of the free radicals that everyday living has subjected our skin to. All those areas that are sinking and making you appear saggy and wrinkled can be replaced with a softer, better, fuller collagen underneath your skin. This new growth generally takes 3 to 4 weeks to see the resulting changes. But the best part is how long it lasts- The effects can last for two years or more!

Just take a look at the before and after pictures and determine for yourself how a little “new” collagen could improve the youthful appearance you’ve been losing. Why wait- you can begin to battle aging and become beautiful right now.

Fillers Are The Magic Potion for Aging

Dr. Bonnie Marting DNP ARNP

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Enhancing, erasing, and eliminating are just a few of the many wonders that can be achieved with the right Filler. This is isn’t your mom’s collagen filler from the 80′s- they’re new and improved, and you won’t believe your eyes, or your lips, or your forehead….

Fillers have certainly grown up since the 80′s. And while some practitioners may still use some form of the collagen previously used in past generations, there have been enormous improvements since then. I recommend using the latest, newest fillers, because quite frankly, they build better and last longer. You can use them to fill tiny indentations that are hardly noticeable, or use them to build back lost volume in your entire face. You’ll look younger and it works fast!

So what are the names of these new magic potions?

Evolence®, Restylane® Perlane® and Juvederm® are topping the charts along with Sculptra®.
So what can these Fillers do exactly?

They can:
” Enhance a specific area, like your lips.
” Make subtle, yet important changes to increase facial volume.
” Erase those tiny lines around the mouth or eyes.
” Eliminate creases in the eyebrow area
” Make wrinkles disappear

Wow, you are probably saying. If it can do all that, where can I get some of this?

Your local Cosmetic medical practice, dermatologist or trained practitioner is who I’d recommend talking to.

But first, let me caution you about using the correct filler for your needs! Whenever you are speaking with someone, please remember that the skill of the practitioner with that particular filler is the single most important part of the equation. If you have someone who is not trained to insert it correctly, you may end up with a bulge or line where you didn’t want it. Sometimes, an enhanced blue area can even show up if it’s done improperly.

Each brand and product has a specific formulation to achieve it’s goals. There are slight differences between Sculptra®, Juvederm®, Evolence® and the others, resulting in different molecule sizes. Some, like Sculptra®, not only fill in the problem area, but can increase your body’s collagen growth at the same time. This is a great thing, because it will produce a longer lasting result.

In my practice, I evaluate each person carefully, seeing exactly what they need, before recommending a filler. A good practitioner will take the depth of the facial structure, the muscle tone, the speed of result desired, and many other factors into play before choosing the perfect fit for you.
That being said, if you have a capable practictioner injecting your filler, you should receive beautiful, predictable results.

So remember this when you schedule your appointment. You don’t want to just get a filler, you want the filler that is made specifically for your needs injected by a skilled professional!

Botox® or Filler? Which is best?

Dr. Bonnie Marting DNP ARNP

Dr. Bonnie Marting

To many people, the difference between Botox and a facial filler is hard to grasp, and may even think facial fillers are one and the same.

Watch this short video where I’ll explain the differences between a neuro-muscular relaxant like Botox® and Dysport® and why they should be administered to some parts of the face but not others. Then I’ll explain how the popular fillers like Juvederm®, Evolence® and Sculptra® work on those other areas, giving you volume.

Together, the careful application of using Botox® or Dysport® along with a filler will enhance the results you are looking for.

Fillers Erase Years Fast!

Dr. Bonnie Marting DNP ARNP

Dr. Bonnie Marting

If you’re like most women who look in the mirror noticing a more tired and drawn apperance, then I’ve got great news for you. There are ways to bring back the rounded cheeks, fuller mouth, and youthful glow that you’ve been missing.
As we age, we lose the collagen, bone, and facial volume that helped give our skin its’ young appearance. But with the passage of time, the skin begins to sag, the area under our eyes and around our cheekbones grow more prominent, and soon we’re looking at a much thinner, drained, saggy reflection.
The good news is we can restore much of our glory days with the help of fillers. In this video, I’ll explain why our facial volume erodes over time, and how correctly administered amounts of fillers can help us regain the plumper, youthful version of our former self.