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If one is primarily concerned with loose skin, then Thermage® is the treatment of choice. If one is mostly seeking wrinkle reduction, then Polaris™ or laser resurfacing is the treatment of choice. If one is seeking both wrinkle reduction and skin tightening, then Polaris™ is often the best option.
 HOW DOES IT WORK ?
Radio-frequency (RF) energy uniformly heats the dermis while cooling and protecting the epidermis. It causes immediate collagen contraction followed by the production of new collagen. This production occurs over a period of months resulting in a more youthful tightened appearance.
WHAT DOES A THERMAGE PROCEDURE FEEL LIKE ?
Slight discomfort occurs with each pulse of energy. This is lessened with preapplication of an anesthetic cream one hour before the procedure, and in some cases, by a pill or injection to make it more comfortable.
HOW LONG WILL THE PROCEDURE TAKE ?
As of March 1, 2004, the time of the procedure has been reduced by 67%. Thus, to do the complete mid face area, it formerly took 45 minutes. It now takes 15-20 minutes. This is the result of new technology which reduces both time and discomfort.
WHEN CAN I RETURN TO MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES ?
You may return to your normal activities immediately as there is usually no "downtime". Slight redness may last an hour or two following the procedure. Some people develop swelling for a few days but this can usually be prevented with pretreatment antihistamines.
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS ?
Some patients see results soon after the treatment. Most begin to see some results at one month. Complete results may require several months.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED ?
Newest studies, presented in April 2004, show that optimal results occur with two treatments. We have treated approximately 100 people as of June 2004 many of whom have achieved optimal results with one treatment.
HOW LONG WILL THE EFFECTS LAST ?
We have some patients who remain well corrected two years following a single treatment. The originator of the procedure has some patients who have retained their improvement for more than five years.
HOW SAFE IS IT ?
It is very safe. The number of adverse events has been very small.
If one is primarily concerned with loose skin, then Thermage® is the treatment of choice. If one is mostly seeking wrinkle reduction, then Polaris™ or laser resurfacing is the treatment of choice. If one is seeking both wrinkle reduction and skin tightening, then Polaris™ is often the best option.
WHAT IS POLARIS ?
Polaris uses a unique combination of radio-frequency and laser energy (electrical plus optical = elos) to reduce wrinkles and scars non-invasively. The elos technology out performs systems that use only one  source of energy.
HOW DOES POLARIS WORK ?
A combination of two types of energies means that the dermis is treated at multiple levels making it possible to treat fine wrinkles at the surface while penetrating into the dermis to treat deeper wrinkles - all in a single procedure.
WHAT DOES A POLARIS PROCEDURE FEEL LIKE ?
Patients are pretreated with a topical anesthetic cream. In addition a cooling machine is applied to the skin with the elos . This technique is tolerated by virtually all patients without pain. Occasionally, short acting nerve blocks are performed.
HOW LONG WILL THE POLARIS PROCEDURE TAKE ?
Depending on the area treated, it usually takes less than 30 minutes.
WHEN CAN I RETURN TO MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES ?
You can apply cosmetics immediately afterwards, and return to daily activities immediately.
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS ?
There is usually an immediate improvement in wrinkle lines because of swelling (edema). Significant  improvement usually begins to occur between the 2nd and 4th treatments.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED ?
Most patients will require about five treatments.
HOW LONG WILL THE EFFECTS LAST ?
Although the procedure is too new to directly answer this question, clinical trials indicate that results have lasted for a couple of years in the initial patients. Based on our experience with laser resurfacing procedures and deeper chemical peels, once new collagen has been formed, results last many years.
HOW SAFE IS IT ?
It is very safe. Although this is a relatively new treatment with new technology, the number of adverse events, has been small.
What is Botox®?
BOTOX® is a purified protein toxin produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria. Although BOTOX® is a toxin, there have been no serious side effects. This is because, for the treatment described, it is used in extremely small amounts and does not spread throughout the body.
 How is Botox® used?
A few drops of BOTOX® are injected with a tiny needle into the muscle that creates a wrinkle. When BOTOX® is injected into a muscle, it blocks the nerve impulse from reaching that area, and as a result, the muscle weakens. As the muscle weakens, the skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles in the skin gradually soften and often disappear.
Does a Botox® injection hurt?
When BOTOX® is injected there is an initial minor sting for a few seconds. Once the injection is complete, there is usually no discomfort.
Where can Botox® be injected?
The Most common areas for the use of BOTOX® are the frown lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines, and the crow's feet. On occasion, some other areas may be treated as well.
Does Botox® affect other facial expressions or create numbness?
BOTOX® does not affect the nerve, so there is no numbness in the area of the injection. Also, the effect of the BOTOX® is only in the immediate area of the injection. Therefore, the muscles related to other expressions are unaffected.
How long does a Botox® treatment last?
The effects of BOTOX® usually last three to five months, at which time another injection is required. After several treatments, the effect of BOTOX® may begin to last longer, sometimes up to ten months.
How safe is Botox® ?
BOTOX® has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology for over 15 years, and for wrinkle therapy for over 10 years. In the amounts used for wrinkle therapy, the only possible side effects are temporary and localized to the area of injection.
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