Medical Beauty – Botox, Lasers & More!

Let’s switch things up today. I’ve talked about creams, makeup and serums – but let’s chat about medical beauty.

I didn’t realize {until recently} how many women my age are secretly getting botox and laser treatments! It was like suddenly being let in on a secret society. My curiosity always gets the best of me, so when Images Med Spa reached out (based in Wilmette, IL), I knew I had to get some answers – not just on Botox, but med treatments and skin care in general.

Spa manager, Agnes Burton, graciously answered all my burning questions and more! Plus I can’t wait to show you a BEFORE + AFTER below!

1. Images Med Spa has a high reputation for your incredible services – from facials, to Botox, to hair removal. What is your most requested service?

Botox.

2. Thanks to reality television, we’ve seen some interesting and hot beauty trends. Leech treatments by Heather Dubrow of Real Housewives of the OC; Kim Kardashian’s Vampire Facial; and Gwenyth Paltrow’s most recent confession to bee stings. What is the next big trend you see in the medical beauty industry?

Cryotherapy (loosing fat without exercising).

3. What is the best way women can keep their skin looking as young and fresh as possible at home long-term?

Commit to a daily at home skin care regimen that includes medical grade skin care products…and simply drink lots of water.

4. What ingredients should women look for or avoid in their face creams for effective anti-aging?

Look for: glycolics for resurfacing, peptides and growth factors for collagen stimulation and anti wrinkle properties. Avoid products that are alcohol based, as they tend to really dry out the skin.

5. I have noticed Botox has become increasingly popular with my age group (30’s!) What is the most popular age group Images Med Spa sees receiving treatment? Is there an age group who is significantly growing in popularity?

It varies, however, women in their thirties have come to understand the benefits of Botox as a preventative treatment and not just as a corrective option for women in their 40’s and older.

6. What age do you recommend women (and men) explore or consider Botox?

Thirties.

7. What is something most women don’t know about Botox that would surprise them?

That it can be used on so many other locations other that just the forehead Ex: crows feet, platismal bands in the neck, “smokers lines” around the lips and dao’s. (depressor anguli oris muscle) refers to the drooping corners of one’s mouth.

8. How is Botox priced and what is a typical price range for Botox?

Botox is priced in units. Our cost per unit is $12. The price range can vary and really depends on the area you are treating and degree of correction needed. (FYI – one injection needle holds several units).

9. How often should one receive Botox? Once a year, every month, etc.? 

Botox will generally last 3-6 months. It varies from person to person since we all metabolize things at different rates.

10. If women want to soften their wrinkles and smooth their face without any needles or injections, what services do you recommend?

The Hydrafacial MD with Growth Factor….it stimulates collagen, elastin, refines texture and tone of the skin.

Thank you so much Agnes!

As mentioned, Images Med Spa invited me in for a complimentary custom consultation and a treatment! Given my rosacea (looks like dry, rosy cheeks), they recommended their Photofacial – also known as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) or Photorejuvination.

This treatment removes sun damage, redness, pigmentations & imperfections, while improving skin tone and stimulating collagen. In a nutshell – it evens out your skin tone, removes fine wrinkles and makes you look younger.

Here is my BEFORE. Notice how splotchy and red my cheeks are. And don’t judge – no makeup here folks.

Results? LOOOOOVE IT. Here is the AFTER – 2 weeks post treatment. (P.S. Only wearing lipstick here!).

So much better right?!!!! Goodbye splotchy redness! My skin is even steven and I swear, not a stitch of makeup (except the lipstick).

My skin has not felt and looked this even and dewey since my twenties. The best part? I’m still glowing after a month of receiving treatment. Talk about a miracle. I will warn you – this is by no means relaxing. However not unbearable either. It feels like a snap of a rubber band. The great news is you can go about your day right after. I experienced a little redness but that’s it!

Photofacials use intensive pulsed light (IPL) that gently heats the upper layers of the skin, stimulating new collagen. This is what restores your skin and makes it glow like your youthful college days.

If you are in the market to try something new, I couldn’t recommend Images Med Spa and a Photofacial enough! Maria (who provided my service) was an absolute doll and made me feel incredibly comfortable. I was a bit nervous! She even gave me two mini icepacks (to calm the skin) and a small sample kit of products to use afterwards.

So what about you? Do you get Botox? Or do you secretly want to? Have you ever tried IPL or a laser treatment? I would highly recommend it!

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