Botox offers amazing benefits for facial anti-aging.  Many people are familiar with its mechanism of action in general terms, that it works by freezing muscles of facial expression that cause wrinkles. However, there are some subtle caveats that not everyone appreciates.
The best candidates for wrinkle treatment with Botox or Dysport are those patients who have wrinkles during muscle activity but otherwise do not have severe wrinkles at rest.  This can be tested by relaxing the relevant facial muscles to see what effect that has on those wrinkles.  If the wrinkles are primarily due to the effect of poor skin tone, loss of underlying tissue or gravity, then Botox is less likely to yield any benefit.  In such cases, a dermal filler, such as Juvederm or Radiesse, is more likely to help.

One must also be aware of the effect of relaxing a facial muscle on one’s facial expression.  Although wrinkles may go away, expression may be changed.  For example, some people have excess skin laxity in their foreheads and keep their forehead muscles working constantly to keep their eyebrows from covering their eyes.  If the forehead were weakened in that area, then the eyebrows could fall and cause vision to be obstructed.  Only a brow lift would be helpful in such a case.

Skin vitality is also important.  Wrinkles formed from dynamic muscle action don’t disappear immediately.  The skin remodels itself to smooth out wrinkles over time, but this action depends on the health and age of the skin.  For instance, one would expect that a 35 year old with forehead wrinkles would probably see more improvement with Botox than a 65 year old.

When getting Botox or Dysport for the first time, it is very important to go over the cosmetic goals, as well as the risks and benefits.  Realistic expectations are key to being satisfied with this procedure.

Dysport (a botulinum toxin) is now available at Tattoo MD.  Dysport has the same uses as Botox and is an alternative.  Both the price and duration are similar in comparison to Botox but individual variations in response are possible.  See the Botox and Dysport page for more information.
Restylane and Perlane are hyaluronic acid injectable fillers that are similar to Juvederm.  Perlane is useful for deeper and longer lasting wrinkle correction yet can be used for lip augmentation.  See our injectable fillers page for more information.

Since September, new regulations by the medical board in Nevada have gone into effect barring medical assistants from injecting Botox and injectable fillers, as well as performing some other treatments.  Apparently, there was recently controversy surrounding medical assistants injecting Botox in Las Vegas.  See the link to this article about it.  We find it surprising that medical assistants were ever allowed to do these highly-skilled injections.  However, if you are  a patient in Nevada and are having trouble finding a provider for Botox, come to TMD Medispa, where our expert physician assistant performs Botox and dermal filler injections.

We throw big Botox parties at TMD now and then.  These are fun and the patients that attend tell us that the experience is very enjoyable.  Some people may prefer to have their own “private Botox party.”  Now you can arrange a private Botox party for you and at least two others at TMD Medispa.  If you schedule at least you and 2 friends back to back to get Botox treatment, everyone receives Botox for only $9/unit.*  We will even provide refreshments!  Call to inquire on how to set this up!

*Minimum 10 units per person to qualify for special pricing.

Please join us on SAT. APRIL 25TH    10AM- 6PM

There will be Food, Fun, Drawings, and Freebies!
FREE DRAWINGS FOR:
JUVEDERM

BOTOX

LASER TATTOO REMOVAL

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

FREEBIES:            MINI FACIALS OR WAXING (BY APPT. ONLY)
LIMITED SPACE – CALL EARLY TO
SCHEDULE

Please stop by the office on the party day and fill out an entry form to
be eligible for drawings.  Good Luck!!

In time for the holidays, Tattoo MD has discounted laser tattoo removal packages 25%.  If you also come for our holiday party on December 10th, there will be additional discounts, contests, and giveaways!  The party is from 3 to 7 pm on Wednesday the 10th and walk-ins are welcome, but reserving an appointment to get treatment that day is also a good idea.  Also, expect great deals on Botox and more!

Tattoo MD will be having our best-ever holiday party on December 10 from 3-7 pm, so save the date!  There will be food and refreshments, but also special contests.  There will be special discounts on services, such as Botox, and products as well for guests that come to the party.  Stay tuned for more details in our email blast and on the website as we draw nearer.

Happy Holidays!

At Tattoo MD, we often get patient inquiries regarding treatment during pregnancy or breast-feeding.  Patients want to know if they can get a tattoo removed during pregnancy or get Botox while breast-feeding, etc.  The answer to this is often “no,” but not for obvious reasons.  Laser tattoo removal, for instance, is avoided during both breast-feeding pregnancy.  Research has generally not been done to prove that any such procedures are not safe or vice-versa.  We generally follow the principle that if any chemicals could be produced or added that are not normally present in the body, then we avoid the procedure during this time.

For instance, laser tattoo removal breaks tattoo pigments into smaller components and mobilizes them to distant sites away from where the tattoo is.  Although it is not known whether these pigments could cross the placenta or enter breast-milk, we assume that it’s possible.  Laser hair removal by itself does not introduce any foreign chemicals but topical anesthetic cream is used, so it is avoided for that reason.  Botox injections are avoided also, although the chance of causing a problem with a fetus or nursing child is extremely low, since it has never been tested in that setting, and probably never will be.  Injectable fillers, such as Juvederm and Radiesse are composed of natural ingredients, hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite.  However, lidocaine is injected or applied topically, so these are also not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

So what services can we offer during this period?  Actually, quite a few.  Microdermabrasion is completely safe.  It does not introduce anything and works on the surface of the skin.  Sclerotherapy of spider veins is also safe, since it uses natural salt water in minute amounts that are only active locally at the site of injection.  Most of the other estheticiain services, such as waxing, facials and eyelash extensions are safe, but Vi Peels are not done.

To the pregnant or nursing mothers out there – just hang in there!

Arnica is a plant that has gotten a lot of attention and advocacy in its use for promotion of wound healing and prevention of bruising.  Although we do not offer arnica as after-care for laser tattoo removal or for injectable treatments, arnica is often advocated by plastic surgeons to minimize post-operative bruising.  But is it safe and effective?  Since arnica is not a synthetic chemical or drug, it contains multiple different active compounds with their own various effects.  It is not regulated by the FDA.  Most sources advise against oral ingestion of arnica or application over open wounds due to the risk of toxic effects.

We had an arnica side effect during Botox injection that is worth sharing with others.  A patient that had previously not had any problems with Botox developed severe bruising after injection with the tiny insulin syringe.  It was so dramatic that the procedure had to be aborted.  The patient had no prior such problems and admitted to being only on oral arnica supplements which she had obtained on her own initiative.  After researching arnica side effects, we found that it contains coumarin, a chemical that prolongs blood clotting time, which would cause – guess what?  Increased bruising!  We naturally advised the patient stop using the arnica and to see her doctor.  However, it makes you wonder how many other such “natural” but not well-tested remedies exist out there that may not just be unhelpful but actually cause problems?

On June 19, TMD Medi-Spa had its first official Botox party.  Botox was discounted to only $9/unit!  Lots of people came for treatments and to find out more about what TMD offers.  Jeannine, our physician assistant won praise from patients for her technique and gentle touch.  Here are some of the testimonials:

I just had to tell you again how very pleased I am with the Radiesse injections I had yesterday.  I inspected your work again as soon as I got in my car and later in the evening when I got home and I can’t believe what a flawless job you did.  I usually leave the office looking swollen and blotchy but I was good to go the moment I left your office.  You are simply THE BEST!!!!!!!  Thank you so much for taking the time to do the job right.  I’ll see you again in a year or so when I need a touch up. – N. H.

Just wanted to let you know that I saw Jeannine for botox this afternoon.  While I was extremely nervous, she put me at ease and explained everything really well.  She was great!  I am very excited to have been introduced to your clinic.
I actually asked Jeannine about a couple other things and didn’t realize that today there were specials for Juvederm as well.  I am thinking I would love to try that too at some point in the future.  Just wondering if you guys have these “parties” periodically.?.? Hope to meet you next time.  I will definitely be recommending your clinic and Jeannine.  Thanks!!!  – M. B.