How To Get Rid Of The Double Chin

What is Kybella?

Got stubborn submental fat also known as double chin then Kybella might be right for you. Kybella® is a non-surgical treatment for getting rid of extra deposits of fat under the chin and neck. The treatment is based on a synthetic molecule that destroys fat cells under your chin and neck. 

Is it safe?
Kybella® has been FDA-approved as safe and effective for reducing submental fat aka double chin. However, it’s important to note that this is only true when the injection is administered properly by a  trained healthcare professional. 

How effective is Kybella?
Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, so further treatment is not expected once you reach your desired aesthetic goal. Please understand that surrounding fat cells are still able to accumulate fat, therefore a healthy weight and lifestyle should be maintained to keep optimal results. 

What are the most common side effects? 
After receiving KYBELLA™, the injected area will swell for up to 4 days and you may feel a little numb. This is completely normal and to be expected. These will subside and over the next couple of days and you will see improvement in your appearance. 

How many treatments will you need?
Most patients need between 2-4 treatment to see desired results. These treatments are scheduled 4-6 weeks apart. 

PRP "The Natural Filler"

What is PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is used to treat volume loss in the face, hands and neck. It improves the appearance of crepey skin in the tear troughs, dark circles, facial wrinkles, acne scaring and stretch marks giving you the ultimate in illumination, skin rejuvenation and anti aging properties. Platelets are a crucial component in wound healing and contain multiple growth factors that help to expedite the body's own repair process. Ultimately, stimulating new collagen and elastin using your natural biology triggering the production of new cells over the next 6-8 weeks.

How Is It performed?

The procedure starts with a simple blood draw. Your blood is then spun down in a centrifuge for about 10-15 min at a pre-calculated speed to achieve the most viable fibrin and platelets. PRP takes about 20 minutes to prepare. After the centrifugation, the blood separates the white cells (platelets and fibrin) from the red cells and the platelets/fibrin are re-injected into the area of concern.

PRP For Eye Rejuvenation

PRP injected in the under-eye area improves dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, crepey skin under the eyes, and wrinkles. Generally recommended in a series of three treatments. This can be added on to any treatment.

PRP “Vampire Facelift”

Get the best of both worlds when you combine PRP with dermal fillers also known as the vampire face lift. While all results vary, you can expect restoration in luminosity, vitality and hydration to the skin. The dermal fillers immediately restore volume to your face, fill in lines and smoothen wrinkles. PRP accelerates the regeneration of stem cells increasing the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

“Vampire Viva”- NEXT LEVEL!

Get the best in skin resurfacing and remodeling using the most customizable skin resurfacing device in the industry, combine that with platelet rich plasma and take your results to the next level. The first step involves performing the Venus viva treatment. The viva treatment creates micro channels to the surface of the skin while sending highly focused RF energy into those channels stimulating the production of collagen as well as remodeling existing collagen. Second, PRP is injected and applied to the skin immediately following the viva treatment supplying the newly resurfaced skin with a boost of stem cells that are able to penetrate the deeper layers of the dermis.

PRP “Vampire Facial”

With this procedure platelet rich plasma is used with microneedling. The micro-channels created by the micro-needling device provides a direct pathway to the deeper layers of the skin for optimal wound healing. PRP is then topically applied to the skin during the micro-needling procedure, the micro-channels allow for optimal absorption of the PRP. The micro-needling together with the PRP improves the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars in addition to thickening the dermis and epidermis for increased volume and plumpness, revitalizing the skin.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

PRP treatments alone is generally recommended in a series of three, 4-6 weeks apart

When Will It Start To Work?

The effects of PRP treatments can be seen in 3-4 weeks post treatment. Collagen will continue to grow post treatment and results can be seen 9-18 months after the procedure.

How Long Does PRP Last?

PRP results can last anywhere between 9-18 months after the procedure. Generally requiring touchup injections every 6-12 months depending on the patient. All results vary

What Is The Downtime For PRP?

Mild swelling, redness and bruising can be expected after treatment which typically dissipates within 1-3 days. With any injection there is a risk for infection. Since, PRP is made from your own stem cells, there is virtually no risk of side effects.

Who Is Not A Candidate For PRP?

• Scleroderma, collagen vascular disease or cardiac abnormalities

• Blood clotting disorders

• Low platelet count

• Septicemia or fever

• Skin infections in the treatment area

• Anemia

• Cancer or history of cancer

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Allergy to lidocaine

Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers For The Aging Face

Dermal fillers AKA soft tissue augmentation is a great way to restore volume in the face that is lost as we age. After the age of 30 we lose about 1-2% of collagen each year. Collagen is an abundant protein found in our bodies. It is the building blocks and structure of our skin, hair, and nails among other things. Responsible for the firmness of our skin, think about how resilient and firm a 20-year-old face appears versus a 50-year-old face and voilà you have now noted loss of collagen.

One of the quickest ways to restore volume from collagen loss is through the use of Hyaluronic acid fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar substance that occurs within the body believed to nourish and hydrate the collagen keeping skin plump, supple and fresh looking. As you guessed, this too decreases significantly as we age. We now have the ability to restore some of the lost volume through the use of soft tissue fillers. While there is an abundance of soft tissues fillers on the market and each holds its place in the world of medical aesthetics for the purposes of this article, we will be discussing only the use of Hyaluronic acid fillers.

Hyaluronic acid fillers consist of Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero products. Hyaluronic acid fillers are injected into areas where loss of collagen has occurred to help plump the skin, restore volume, minimize folds and fill-in wrinkles. Dermal fillers are injected via needles or cannulas. Typical areas include the lines that run from the sides of your nose toward the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds) and the lines that run from the corner of your mouth toward the chin (marionette lines), cheeks, lips, temples, jowls and even hands. Younger people are also using hyaluronic acid fillers to enhance their features. Unfortunately, Hyaluronic acid fillers are not approved for people under the age of 21. Overtime, the hyaluronic acid is reabsorbed by your body and your fillers will start to diminish. This process typically happens somewhere between 6-12 months. After this you may require repeated treatment.

10 Things To Know About Botox

1. BOTOX IS A BRAND NAME.

There are three types of wrinkle relaxers on the market Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. All are made from Botulinum Toxin A and essentially work the same way.

2. BOTOX IS SAFE

Botox was FDA approved in 1989 for the treatment of blepharospasm (AKA twitching eyelid). Since then it has been used worldwide for a multitude of issues not just for cosmetic use. Let me remind you, you are indeed injecting a neuro toxin (deactivated i.e. flu vaccine) into your body! Yes, when said like that it sounds extremely terrifying. The GOOD NEWS, it is an extraordinarily safe drug. When used for cosmetic treatments you are injecting a miniscule amount not usually capable of producing whole body muscle paralysis. With that being said, Botox is not recommended for those with neuromuscular disorders, Bells Palsy, Pregnant or nursing women. Like with anything you place in your body there is a risk for allergic reaction.

3. WRINKLE PREVENTION

Did you know that with routine use of Botox you can help to prevent fine lines and wrinkles in some individuals? This is why we are now seeing an influx of 20 somethings requesting Botox. Research is still ongoing on the significant benefits of Botox but these suggest more benefits and uses not just for a pretty face.

4. BROTOX? YEAH MAN!

Botox is no longer just for woman. Men are among the emerging group using Botox to combat wrinkles and help to improve the signs and symptoms of aging. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 411,000 Botox procedures were conducted on men. Shocking!!!

5. KNOW YOUR UNITS Botox is typically priced per unit. All units are not created equal! Specifically, Dysport and Botox. For all my nurses out there, it is like pounds to kilograms. One unit of Botox is equal to roughly 3.3 units of Dysport. Most practitioners will just reconstitute and price based on Botox units because that is what everyone knows. You may also find Botox priced per treatment area.

6. IS IT PERMANENT?

No, Botox is not permanent. Typically, you can expect results to last anywhere between 3-6 months. It will gradually wear off and your wrinkles will come back.

7. BUT WON’T MY WRINKLES COME BACK WORSE?

No, your wrinkles will come back just as they were before maybe even less, if you’re lucky. Your wrinkles will gradually come back. If you choose at that time to continue with more injections that’s awesome. If not, and you choose that Botox is not right for you, that’s OK too!

8. Frozen Face, NO! Frozen In Time, YES!

No one wants a frozen face (OK, well some do). Our goal is to give you the most natural appearance without making you look like Joan Rivers. I do this by performing a medical assessment and determining the amount of Botox you will need individually based on your dynamic wrinkles. You will still be able to react and communicate in a lively way, just ask my husband.

9. INSTANT GRATIFICATION, IT IS NOT!

Botox results occur over the course of 2 weeks. So plan accordingly, if you want to receive Botox prior to a big event. Also, allow time for touch ups if need be. Yes, sometimes touchups are needed. It does not mean you were “botched.” Please make sure that a medical professional is injecting you that is qualified and versed in the potential benefits and risks of receiving Botox and can adequately provide you with a comprehensive medical assessment.

10. PEOPLE WILL KNOW I HAD IT DONE?

Most people will tell you, you look rested and refreshed. Some will say something is different, I don’t know what. Other will say simply, you look great! People may notice your eyebrows more. Some won’t notice at all. Mostly, I think people notice the way you feel and present yourself. Nothing looks as good as confidence feels!

WHO IS GRACE?

As many of you know, my name is not Grace. It is Brittany, Brit, Ginger, Ginge, BMW, BM, Mac, Millie or if you’re mad at me Brittany Marie. Grace Riley, is named after my two nieces who are the epitome of beauty and youth, with a little bit of sass (OK a lot of sass!).

Many people have asked how I became interested and started to pursue a career in medical aesthetics. I am creating this blog as an area of information for my clients but also as a means to help people better understand what it is that I do. At the end of the day, I do not pretend to be a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon and I am well aware of my limitations. As a nurse practitioner, you often find yourself trapped between knowing too much and feeling as though you do not know enough. There are always going to be those people who do not agree with the things that you choose to pursue and that’s OK! For all of those people, there are twice as many who are willing to help you achieve your dreams and aspirations. The hardest part is finding them and OF COURSE, getting started.

I have always been a dreamer: an artistic person full of life, creativity and personality. Nursing keeps me grounded. It is one of my biggest passions and how I identify myself, as most nurses do. I chose to become a nurse practitioner as a means to a better work life balance. I ended up working more hours with added responsibility, weekends and on-call. I was managing an extremely large and complex patient assignment and found myself burnt out. I knew something had to change, I just did not know what. While I was always interested in dermatology I knew I did not want to excise lesions and express purulent material all day. Although, they do much, much, much more than this and I have great respect for them this is just the picture in my head when I think of myself working in dermatology (think Dr. Pimple Popper).

I had been tossing around the idea of doing medical aesthetics but it was not until I sought out my own treatments did I realize this could be a possibility. Personally, I did not want to see a plastic surgeon and felt overwhelmed and uncomfortable making an appointment with their clinic. It can be embarrassing even for a medical professional to seek out treatments that are so often judged by others. Treatments for issues that bothered me like my new-found wrinkles and adult acne that appeared out of no-where! It was this realization that got me thinking I can do this, I can help other woman and people look and feel more confident. After all, how great would it be to make people feel better about themselves while also utilizing my artistic eye and professional abilities? For me, Grace Riley Aesthetics is literally A DREAM COME TRUE!

But.... You’re ONLY a Nurse Practitioner

So much of medicine is a collaborative approach, this is no different. Like with anything else there are differences in the approaches of a physician and a nurse practitioner. Physicians are scientists they are a wealth of knowledge and an extremely valuable resource to you. Nurse Practitioners are founded from a profession based on caring, compassion and experience not to be confused with ignorance and incompetence. You need to surround yourself with knowledgeable professionals who will help and advance your career. People who you will come to respect, will respect you and you will value as mentors. I have been very lucky in this regard. Don’t ever stop learning! If you think you have learned everything, learn again. Always think of the worst possible outcome and learn how to fix it.

My Hope For You!

I hope that I will be able to provide you with a personal experience. In turn, helping you to feel more confident about yourself. I look forward to meeting you and finding more about how I can help you!

Sincerely,

Grace Riley