E Experiments: BOTOX in the Bands, aka The Nefertiti Lift

It's about time I share my experience with 'Botox in the bands', aka the Nefertiti lift. My boss, Board certified dermatologist Dr. Quenby Erickson performed the procedure for me, which I love, love, love.

Side note: this use of Botox Cosmetic Is considered off-label, like many of the ways offices use it these days. But not every office offers this treatment. From my perspective, it's more of an advanced technique, (so do your homework on your provider before trying)

Here's the scoop:

What is it? The Nefertiti lift is a non-surgical technique used to make the Neck, chin and "Gobbler" area look smoother and younger by injecting Botox into the platysmal bands. As it turns out, these bands are partly responsible for the downward pull on the lower face (Either side of the chin) and the development of the dreaded 'turkey neck'.

The Treatment: this simple procedure was done in less than maybe five minutes. It didn't hurt, and after it was done I went on with my day, not giving it another thought. Dr. Erickson used 30 units of Botox to treat me, but everyone will be different. As the Botox kicked in during the next week /10 days, I started to notice that the treatment made a surprising difference to me.

My Results: I originally tried this for experience/learning and preventative purposes, But as the effect set in, I noticed a really nice change that I'm really excited about! To me, it looks like there is less tendency for any 'pulling down' by the corners of my mouth and chin, in addition to improvement in my neck, "gobbler" area ((technical term?? Ha)). My jawline is more defined in an elegant, pretty way. I'm liking that!

My Favorite Part: I love the jawline definition I have now, (even though I would not have necessarily listed that as an area for improvement on myself before). Keep in mind, everyone is different, so depending on how many units (I had 30, but I regularly see 50 plus in the office) and how much lift you need, results will always vary. BUT if you have an open mind and would be satisfied with a nice, subtle improvement, this is worth a go!!

Until next time, Stay fabulous, my friends!

Mohs Surgery... Nose Surgery??? Moe's Surgery??

What is Mohs surgery?

Lately, I've been working like crazy to help launch a brand new cosmetic dermatology office on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. The highly credentialed and super smart dermatologist (Dr. Quenby Erickson, who is my boss, the owner, and the medical director all-in-one) is board certified and fellowship trained in Mohs Surgery. Sometimes, when I'm bragging about how talented Dr. Erickson is, people will say: "NOSE surgery??" No, actually: MOHS Surgery. Here's what it is:

Named for Frederic Mohs (1910-2002), this specialty surgical procedure allows the physician to remove the cancer while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.

With more than 2 Million Americans estimated to be affected by skin cancer this year, Mohs Micrographic surgical technique is more in-demand than ever. In addition to Mohs, Dr. Erickson also really enjoys the reconstruction aspect, which has saved patients from disfigurement. It's a pretty great process.

Step 1: A conservative amount of tissue is removed. Step 2: While the patient waits, the tissue will be examined under a microscope to see if the margins are clear Step 3: If the margins are clear, the patient is good to go. Slightly more tissue will be removed and the steps will be repeated only if the margins aren't clear.

Imagine if you had a cancerous lesion on your cheek (yikes). You'd want the cancer to be gone, but with the smallest amount tissue removed as possible. Beyond that, you'd want to be reconstructed beautifully. That's what a Mohs surgeon can do for you. (Sometimes, closures can be sent out to a plastic surgeon).  As Dr. Erickson says: "Removing tissue from a person's back is one thing; it becomes a bigger deal on the lip, eyelid or nose." Glad to have you, Mohs surgeons!!

Click here for what sets fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons apart from the rest, and click here for patient information on Mohs surgery.

Until next time: Stay Fabulous, (and wear your sunscreen!!) My Friends!

BOTOX for Babies: Part 3- Ice, Ice Baby

Have you been nervous to try an injectable because of bruising or discomfort? Read on… There is a TOTAL laundry list of ways to avoid little bruises or lessen the slight (and temporary) discomfort from an injectable cosmetic treatment, but here is one of my tips based on my experiences in the office:

She's as cold as ice:

Pressing a cold pack onto the area for 5 or 10 minutes before your procedure usually means vasoconstriction –so those little blood vessels are running for their lives, not begging to be hit with an injection (this is what causes bruising). BONUS: it helps dull the sensation, too!

Icing afterward will also prevent or reduce swelling, which is helpful as well. The cold reduces blood flow to the injury and can limit the size of the bruise. Additionally, the cold will decrease the inflammation (this IS an injury, after all) and reduce any swelling that you might have.

5-15 minutes on, and 5-15 minutes off with a cold pack can be helpful after an injection… so if you’re checking your email or watching Netflix when you get home, grab a cold one! (a cold pack, that is!)

Your doc will likely have specific instructions for you, including post-care. Please note: this is post is simply meant to be fun and informative, *not the authority on your health* so please always follow your doctors instructions... and NOT what you read on the internet. (yes, this blog included!)

Keep in mind that there are always risks to every procedure, so chat it up with your physician to make sure these procedures are appropriate for you… Until Next time: Stay safe, and fabulous!