Botox & Fillers with MedAesthetics

Aging Gracefully: Botox and Naturopathic Medicine

Anti-aging begins with attention to our diet and lifestyle, hormone balance and ultimately skin care. We want to feel good and look good from the inside out! Not only is our facial appearance a first impression in any social setting and the self we see daily in the mirror, but our physical appearance affects our mood as well. To look our best is to feel our best and this desire is as defining as our enjoyment of life in general.

MedAesthetics at SNC

There are several approaches to facial aesthetics that address pigmentation, texture, the prevention or the treatment of wrinkles, the correction of contour or volume. All are treatments ultimately aimed at improving the facial aesthetics and expression. These methods range from the least invasive (i.e. diet or creams) to the most invasive (surgery). Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic partners with MedAesthetics to specialize in what has been referred to as the “soft lift”. It is minimally invasive so patients can resume their normal activity with no down time, it provides concrete results following therapy, it is adaptive in the sense that it can be easily adjusted to produce the desired results from one treatment to the next (inclusive of full return to the initial pre-treatment appearance if so desired) and it can be affordable on any budget.

Who is MedAesthetics?

MedAesthetics is a side branch or adjunct to Advanced Dentistry at Century Square. Dr. Anthony Larhs, MD is a diagnostic radiologist/ nuclear medicine physician with a special interest in aesthetic medicine. He received advanced theoretical and practical training in Botox and dermal fillers and is an active member of the International Association of Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine.

What happens during the visit?

In essence the treatment begins with a no cost, no obligation consultation with the medical doctor. The goals are presented, the treatment plan is formulated together with you, the patient, and the results are explained. Medical history is reviewed for possible contraindications. If you choose to have a mutually agreed upon treatment, consents are signed and the treatment begins at that time. Payment in full is expected on the day of service. SNC staff are also available prior to the day of the appointment to answer general questions about treatment options.

What is Botox?

It is a purified protein that temporarily produces muscle relaxation. It is injected at very specific sites so that muscles that create wrinkles (or pain – from clenching / grinding teeth) are relaxed. The effects last for 4-6 months initially, with this period growing longer after subsequent use. Botox results may last between 4 to 6 months following the initial treatment. Subsequent use will eventually require less product and the effects of treatment may last longer as the muscles involved in producing the unwanted facial expression become less active from prolonged relaxation. Before and after photos best demonstrate results acheived with Botox. Picture yourself with Botox.

Pre-Botox Post-Botox med brow lift

How do Fillers Work?

As part of the aging process there is less collagen and hyaluronic acid to support and fill the layers on your skin. Repeated facial muscle contractions result first in expression lines and later into permanent deep wrinkles. Pollution, stress, sun exposure and smoking can all increase or accelerate these effects. The three D’s of aging have been defined as “deterioration” (fine lines, wrinkles and texture changes), “descent” (droopiness or sagging skin) and “deflation” (loss of fullness or volume). A “soft lift” if achieved from the careful application of Botox and dermal filers. Botox works as a muscle relaxant with the net result that smoothes away wrinkles. Dermal fillers, made of hyaluronic acid, a substance that is naturally found in the body, further soften deeper or permanent wrinkles by restoring lost volume. It is the refined combination of these two procedures, many times within the same region of the face, that produces a synergistic effect to restore a most truly natural younger appearance, an appearance that can be sustained longer and achieved with the most economical use of product. Dermal fillers may last anywhere from 9 months to 18 months. This wide variation reflects the influence the local milieu has on the product injected – the filler will last longer in a static area (such as the area below the eyes or tear troughs) than in an area with a lot of mobility (such as the mouth region). The simple act of injecting the filler (a minor trauma in itself) further stimulates the local natural collagen production that is a much-wanted secondary effect. Fillers are hydrophilic (attract and bind water) and become more voluminous and smoother in texture within few days after the initial treatment. Fillers are made of different formulation of hyaluronic acid that is normally found in our skin. There are several types on the market: Juvederm, Perlane, Restylane, or Ethelis. Take a look at these before and after photos.

med eye trough3

Botox and Fillers: A Synergystic Effect

The synergistic effect in combining these two procedures (Botox and fillers) results from the fact that a wrinkle may be formed in part from the continuous muscle tension (blocked by Botox) and partially by the age related collagen loss (replaced with the dermal filler). Moreover, by reducing muscle tension, the longevity of filler in the skin is extended. The possible applications span several decades in one’s life. In the younger patients (late twenties or early thirties) Botox is preventive to the development of wrinkles, may correct a gummy smile, bunny lines, chin dimpling, achieve the desired eye brow arch or correct facial asymmetry that results from one sided muscle hyperactivity; may further aid with the management of headaches or jaw pain from clenching and grinding. Fillers will produce the desired lip shape and fullness. In the forties the accent is to soften the crow’s feet, the “worried” look from forehead lines and the nasolabial folds; also to correct the subtle hollowness that results in the tired look from the early volume loss within the eye troughs or within the medial, central aspects of our cheeks. In the fifties and beyond the applications are tailored towards generalized volume augmentation with dermal fillers, further enhanced through the muscle relaxation from Botox injections. Down-sloping mouth corners (sad face) may be reversed, the jaw can be re-contoured and lips can be filled back to their youthful shape.

Fees

Consultations are complementary and allow you, the patient, the opportunity to explore the treatment modalities that may benefit you the most. Photographs are taken pre and post therapy to allow for objective results assessment. Our fees are based on the quantity of product injected. (i.e. the number of Botox units and/or the number of syringes of dermal fillers injected). We offer Botox at $12/unit and patients usually receive a minimum of 20 units. Fillers are sold per vial with Juvederm Ultra at $400/vial and Juverderm Ultra Plus at $450/vial.

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Botox & Filler Clinic

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360.568.2686

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New! Medi-Spa offering massage, physician-grade skin care services, , permanent cosmetics and Botox!

Mindful Nutrition is a wonderfully informative and thorough overview of how to eat healthy. We learned the basics of nutrition in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Mindful nutrition will give you the tools to succeed whether your goal is to lose weight, choose the most nutritious foods, or understand food labeling and additives. I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to embrace a healthy, vital, whole food approach to enjoying life.
Sally Abbey, July 14, 2008, Current Patient

Did you know common complaints such as a rash, achy joints or fatigue can be caused by adverse reactions to food? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic offers food allergy testing through US Biotek. Imperceptible reactions to common foods (such as wheat, dairy or eggs) can intensify your body's reaction to seasonal allergens.

Hormone replacement therapy is a natural solution to menopause symptoms. Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as naturally occuring sex hormones. A combination of progesterone, estrogen, DHEA and/or testosterone may help alleviate common symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleeplessness.

Did you know that a naturopathic physician can be listed with your insurance carrier as you primary care provider (PCP)? This will allow us to provide you with well patient care (e.g.; pap smear, well child check, etc.) and refer you to other providers as needed.

Need a pap smear or mammogram, but can't afford the cost? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic's physicians are both contracted with the Breast and Cervical Health Program of WA to provide free pap smears and breast exams to low income women. Call 360.568.2686 to see if you qualify.

"Bowenwork is a very effective bodywork therapy, where very gentle moves are performed over muscles and soft tissue, stimulating the nervous system to reset and heal. By combining moves the practitioner can either benefit the body as a whole, or target a specific problem." (www.Bowenwork.com)

Many patients elect to do a sequence of IV Therapy while they are in training for a physical fitness event (marathon, swim meet, soccer game), or to help the weekend warriors recover from their exertions! Specific vitamins and minerals are administered to reduce recovery time and muscle fatigue.

Nutrition at SNC! Whether you have digestive issues or food allergies, are interested in weight loss, or just want to learn the basics of healthful eating, you will leave with shopping lists, recipes, handouts to read and sample menu plans that are all tailored to your specific needs.

"Where naturopaths depart from (the familiar medical model) is to respect the symptom, not as a disease, but as a red flag. Treat the underlying cause, and you become well! For example, when you treat hypertension (high blood pressure) with medication, your numbers look better, but you still haven't treated the cause of your hypertension; the medicine is just a bandaid." Dr. Allison Novins, ND in the Lake Stevens Journal

HCG Weight Loss Program: HCG is a hormone naturally produced in the body. It has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions. During pregnancy, this hormone allows the body to mobilize fat and use it as energy for both mother and fetus; this acts as a "fail-safe" mechanism when energy is needed immediately. For weight loss, we use only a very small amount of HCG to capitalize on this same mechanism. Using HCG in this way does not mimic pregnancy; in fact, it can be safely used by both men and women.

Naturopathic doctors are licensed and board certified in Washington State much like MDs. We are primary care providers and we prescribe medication, draw blood and perform minor surgical procedures. We treat patients for incontinence, fibromyalgia, menopause, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, injuries, anxiety and depression, and fertility issues.

Did you know common complaints such as a rash, achy joints or fatigue can be caused by adverse reactions to food? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic offers food allergy testing through US Biotek. Imperceptible reactions to common foods (such as wheat, dairy or eggs) can intensify your body's reaction to seasonal allergens.

Hormone replacement therapy is a natural solution to menopause symptoms. Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as naturally occuring sex hormones. A combination of progesterone, estrogen, DHEA and/or testosterone may help alleviate common symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleeplessness.

Did you know that a naturopathic physician can be listed with your insurance carrier as you primary care provider (PCP)? This will allow us to provide you with well patient care (e.g.; pap smear, well child check, etc.) and refer you to other providers as needed.

Need a pap smear or mammogram, but can't afford the cost? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic's physicians are both contracted with the Breast and Cervical Health Program of WA to provide free pap smears and breast exams to low income women. Call 360.568.2686 to see if you qualify.

Many patients elect to do a sequence of IV Therapy while they are in training for a physical fitness event (marathon, swim meet, soccer game), or to help the weekend warriors recover from their exertions! Specific vitamins and minerals are administered to reduce recovery time and muscle fatigue.

Nutrition at SNC! Whether you have digestive issues or food allergies, are interested in weight loss, or just want to learn the basics of healthful eating, you will leave with shopping lists, recipes, handouts to read and sample menu plans that are all tailored to your specific needs.

Through the integration of Acupunture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and modern-day medical diagnostic techniques, it is our goal to help restore your mind, body and spirit to a natural state of equilibrium.

"Where naturopaths depart from (the familiar medical model) is to respect the symptom, not as a disease, but as a red flag. Treat the underlying cause, and you become well! For example, when you treat hypertension (high blood pressure) with medication, your numbers look better, but you still haven't treated the cause of your hypertension; the medicine is just a bandaid." Dr. Allison Novins, ND in the Lake Stevens Journal

HCG Weight Loss Program: HCG is a hormone naturally produced in the body. It has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions. During pregnancy, this hormone allows the body to mobilize fat and use it as energy for both mother and fetus; this acts as a "fail-safe" mechanism when energy is needed immediately. For weight loss, we use only a very small amount of HCG to capitalize on this same mechanism. Using HCG in this way does not mimic pregnancy; in fact, it can be safely used by both men and women.

Naturopathic doctors are licensed and board certified in Washington State much like MDs. We are primary care providers and we prescribe medication, draw blood and perform minor surgical procedures. We treat patients for incontinence, fibromyalgia, menopause, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, injuries, anxiety and depression, and fertility issues.

Did you know common complaints such as a rash, achy joints or fatigue can be caused by adverse reactions to food? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic offers food allergy testing through US Biotek. Imperceptible reactions to common foods (such as wheat, dairy or eggs) can intensify your body's reaction to seasonal allergens.