FAQ

Fillers

What is a filler treatment?
A Filler treatment is designed to visibly restore fullness and volume to the skin, by correcting facial wrinkles and folds. It is made of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in the body. Hyaluronic acid refreshes the skin by giving it volume.

What should I do before the filler treatment?
A week before the treatment, do not ingest high amounts of Vitamin E supplements, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications, as these medicines may increase bleeding and bruising at the treatment area. 

How long does the treatment take?
The process is quick and easy. Depending on the area being treated, the procedure generally lasts 30 minutes. After numbing the area, Dr. Youssef will insert a tiny amount of the filler using an ultra fine needle.

Is the filler treatment painful?
The injections are relatively painless. A topical anesthetic can be applied for comfort.

When will I see results?
Results can be seen immediately. Needle marks should disappear overnight. For the best possible outcome, drink plenty of water the first two days following treatment.

Is treatment guaranteed?
Results vary depending on a number of factors.

What should I expect after the filler treatment?
You may experience mild swelling, itching and tenderness at the site. Discomfort is temporary and should clear up within a few days. Do not rub the area within the first 48 hours following treatment. Do not expose the injection site to intense heat or cold until the symptoms disappear. If you feel a lump, wash your hands and lightly massage the area. If it does not diminish after a week or two, call the office.

How should I apply an ice pack?
Place it inside a slightly damp cloth or small towel. Never apply an ice pack directly to the skin. 

How often should I have treatments?
Filler treatments are long lasting. Effects generally lasts around six months.

Can fillers be removed?
No. However, overtime fillers will eventually dissolve. If you have any uncertainty about the results you desire, Dr. Youssef can complete treatment in gradual steps.

What are the side effects?
Common side effects at the injection site include redness, swelling, itching, pain and tenderness. These usually clear up within a few days. For more information, please ask Dr. Youssef.

I have just had a chemical peel, should I have a filler treatment?
To ensure your safety, we recommend that you wait until the area that was treated completely heals.

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BOTOX® Cosmetic

What is BOTOX ® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a nonsurgical 10-minute treatment used to reduce frown lines between the brows. After a few tiny pinprick injections, results are noticeable within a few days and depending on the patient, can last up to four months.

BOTOX® is derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which lessens the activity of the muscles that stimulate frown lines overtime.

Is BOTOX ® Cosmetic painful?
Once Dr. Youssef determines the appropriate area to administer the injection, he will numb the site with a topical anesthetic cream. Because the process is quick, any discomfort is minimal. Mild swelling, redness and inflammation may occur. No recovery time is needed.

Can any of my medications interact with BOTOX ® Cosmetic?
Be sure to inform Dr. Youssef of any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you are currently taking. This includes antibiotics, such as gentamicin and tobramycin that are used to treat infections, as well as those prescribed by a physician to treat specific health conditions.

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Vibraderm

What is Vibraderm?
Using "sonic vibration technology," Vibradermabrasion gently exfoliates dead skin cells on any part of the body. A new and improved form of Microdermabrasion, Vibraderm produces immediate improvements to the skin after one treatment.

Utilizing the Vibraderm handpiece, Dr. Youssef can dramatically enhance the tone and texture of the face, neck, décolleté, back, arms, hands, knees, legs and thighs. Moreover, unlike traditional Microdermabrasion, deeper dead skin layers can be penetrated. The treatment cleanses pores and creates new collagen growth, which results in smoother skin and a more even tone.

What is Vibrafusion?
Vibrafusion therapy is a method of treatment used to apply various topical creams to the newly exposed deeper layers of skin penetrated by the Vibraderm handpiece. Vibrafusion generally stimulates a 500% increase in the absorption of any topical cream.

Am I a good candidate for Vibraderm?
Although the procedure can benefit all skin types, those with skin conditions, such as acne scars, sunspots, sun damage or wrinkles are ideal candidates.

Is the Vibraderm procedure painful?
No. Patients should feel no discomfort.

How long does treatment take?
Depending on the area being treated, the procedure generally lasts 30 minutes.

Is there any downtime?
No. Some people schedule the treatment during their lunch hour.

What should I do before treatment?
Nothing. Before Dr. Youssef applies the device, the nurse will cleanse the area of the skin that will be treated.

What happens during treatment?
Once the nurse cleanses the treated area, Dr. Youssef will gently apply the Vibraderm paddle to the skin. After that the skincare products that are suitable for your skin texture will be Vibrafused into the skin.

What kind of results should I expect?
Following Vibraderm-Vibrafusion therapy, your skin should appear healthier, smoother and more radiant. You'll enjoy the vibrant glow of beautiful, younger looking skin. A series of sessions can diminish the appearance of frown lines, wrinkles and other skin damage.

Can Vibraderm alone clear up any unsightly skin condition I have?
Unfortunately, undergoing a Vibraderm treatment alone will not totally eliminate severe skin damage. However, in combination with other procedures, the imprint of those unsightly conditions can be decreased. A Vibraderm treatment, along with IPL can dramatically eliminate brown spots.

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IPL

What is IPL?
IPL or Intense Pulsed Light is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes gentle pulses of light to improve the appearance of skin conditions, like broken facial veins, spider veins, acne, age spots, as well as facial wrinkles and lines.

Is IPL treatment painful? 
Discomfort is minimal. During the procedure the intense pulses of light energy that are transmitted to the affected area convert to heat energy. The heat energy targets the lower layer of the skin without impacting the outer layer.

The session may last from 10 minutes to an hour. As the pulse of light touch the skin, you may feel a sensation similar to the snap of a rubber band. Dr. Youssef may apply a topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort.

How many treatments will I need to see results?
Generally, the number of treatments needed varies from patient to patient. Between four to six treatments at three week intervals may be needed to see results.

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Laser Hair Removal

What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive procedure that uses laser light to remove unwanted hair on the face, legs, arms, armpits and the bikini line.

Who is a good candidate for laser hair removal?
It is most effective for patients with dark hair and light skin. However, patients with darker skin can benefit from the procedure. Although there is no guarantee for permanent removal, patients who receive the treatment can enjoy a longer "hair-free" period. Permanent results are possible after receiving several treatments.

Is the process painful?
No. There is little discomfort during the treatment. When Dr. Youssef applies the hand held laser to your skin, you may feel a stinging sensation. You may notice that the stubble is slightly charred. Although anesthesia is not required, a topical anesthetic is available for patients with sensitive skin.

How long does the procedure take?
Generally, depending on the size of the area, the session could last from several minutes to several hours.

Is there any downtime?
No. Swelling and redness may occur. But most patients are able to resume their regular activities immediately after the procedure.

What are the risks associated with laser treatment?
Temporary side effects include darkening on the skin and scabbing. Other risks include changes to the texture of the skin, blisters and scarring.

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Sclerotherapy

What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a treatment designed to reduce the small clusters of red, blue or purple veins that appear in the thighs, calves and ankles.

What age groups are appropriate for sclerotherapy?
This treatment can be successful for patients of all ages, both men and women.  Usually, patients beginning in their late 20s to age 60 seek this treatment.

What happens during the treatment?
Once photographs are taken, the nurse will clean the area with a solution. You may feel a slight prick from the needle and a slight burning sensation, as Dr. Youssef injects the sclerosing solution into the vein. Pain is minimal. You will need to wear tight-fitting compression hose for several days after the treatment.

How long do the treatments last?
Treatment can last between 15 to 45 minutes.

What types of results should I expect?
Results vary from person to person. You may experience cramping the first two days. Please keep in mind that the veins will darken initially. Eventually, the veins will appear less visible. Usually two or more treatments are needed. However, after every injection the appearance of the veins will decrease.

When will I recover?
It may take a few weeks or a month to heal completely. There is no downtime. Patients should be able to resume normal activities after treatment. It is important that you wear compression hose for a few days. This will speed up the healing process. Prolonged sitting, standing and intense exercise should be avoided. However, walking will prevent the formation of blood clots.

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Fat Transfer

What is the procedure for Fat Transfer?
Both the donor site (area from which fat is taken) and the recipient site (area to be treated) are anesthetized. A needle attached to a syringe is inserted onto the donor site in a location, which has a thick layer of fat such as the lower stomach, thigh or buttocks. Fat cells, are aspirated or drawn into the syringe are purified and then carefully re-injected into the recipient site. The process is repeated until the desired amount of fat has been transferred and the defect corrected. A pressure bandage is applied to the donor site and sometimes to the recipient site to prevent blood clots and swelling. It usually requires three fresh fat transfer for full correction.

Fat Transfers for Buttocks Augmentation?
If you have always wanted a firmer, rounder, higher rear end fat transfer can be an alternative to buttocks implants, which can be uncomfortable and impractical. Fat transfer can create a more attractive shape and size to your buttocks.

What can I expect after a Fat Transfer?
There is minimal pain connected with the procedure and any discomfort is controlled with oral medication. Patients are up and around the day of surgery; however, strenuous activities should be avoided for some time.

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