This is one of those questions that isn’t asked often, but when a client is being given pricing, especially as a complete newbie to injectables, you can see that little flicker of surprise. Some people are more open, asking for a breakdown of the cost (which is great–it’s good to completely understand pricing before you get injected). We also get the comments, “I can’t believe I spent X amount and it was only ten minutes!” Well, I’m here to give you the lowdown on just why, exactly, your Botox seemingly costs so much when your appointment may seem so short. First things first: the product itself. Products like Botox and Dysport are considered neurotoxins since they’re a form of the Botulinum toxin. Dysport is abobotulinumtoxinA, whereas Botox is onabotulinumA. Subtle difference, and honestly not that important unless you really want to get into the science behind aesthetic neurotoxins, but it’s important to understand that there is a difference between brands, meaning that certain companies have “claimed” forms of the toxin, trademarked them, and have a monopoly on pricing. Think of it this way: sure, someone may have originally decided that almond milk was a great idea. But because almond milk is such a general and easily producible product, there wasn’t one company that got to decide they “owned” a form of almond milk. Imagine if they had, however. What if one company had figured out a really great way of producing almond milk, and managed to trademark it? If enough people wanted that type of almond milk, and especially if there were only one or two other kinds of almond milk, that one company could decide to set the pricing however they wanted. Keep in mind, however, that there’s a difference between a trademark, and a patent. Patents are highly protected, whereas a trademark means the name and formula can’t be outright stolen, but other companies can certainly use it to figure out how to make their own product. This is why Botox is usually how we refer to Botulinum toxin, since Allergan (the “umbrella” company that owns Botox, Juvederm fillers, and many other products) trademarked Botox in 1989 and was the first to do so before other companies followed suit. Now in 2019, there are four aesthetic neurotoxins on the market: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and the newcomer of the family, Jeuveau. Jeaveau was only approved by the FDA this year, so you’ll slowly see businesses start to incorporate it as we head into 2020. However, up until now, Botox, Dysport and Xeomin were the only players in the market, which means that pricing was set according to what the “umbrella companies” wanted. All this to say: aesthetic neurotoxins are very expensive for a business to purchase. Even if these neurotoxins were sold at cost to consumers (consumers being clients of aesthetic businesses), Botox and Dysport would still be expensive. However, in order to pay the practitioners who inject and the administrative and managerial staff who run the office, neurotoxins have to be sold at a higher than at-cost price, just like any other product (like the almond milk I mentioned, for example). Here’s the other reason your Botox costs so much: sure, it may only take a few minutes to inject. But you’re not paying your practitioner for how long it takes them to inject. You’re paying them for the years spent learning how to inject properly in that amount of time. Your practitioner has to have some type of medical degree, whether it’s in nursing, or as a PA or doctor. On top of paying and going through school for that degree, the aesthetic industry is extremely rigorous if you want to be a proper injector. You need to continually attend trainings, practice relentlessly, consistently review facial anatomy, always stay in touch with new techniques, and you must be incredibly diligent about safety. If you happen to be all of these things, pricing will reflect that. Which is why I consistently warn people that “getting a deal” may work when you’re shopping for clothes, but not when someone is sticking a needle in your face. If someone has cheap prices for the area, most likely they’re either watering down product or lack skill as an injector. The only exception to this rule is for training: when a new injector is being trained, they often work for free, because they are still learning. However, they should always be under the supervision of an experienced injector, and the models for training understand the situation before they go in to be injected. So, the next time you’re in for your injectables experience, hopefully you understand more why it seemingly costs so much for a short appointment. Remember it’s perfectly okay to schedule consultations and research multiple places to find one that works for you, but always stay aware of what you may actually be getting with a “great deal”. Stay safe, everyone! Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com

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Listen up, ladies (and gents–we see you!): fall is almost here, and the holidays are going to arrive much sooner than you think. That’s why it’s time to create your game plan when it comes to beauty this season. In years past, we’ve had people come in a week, or even a few days before a holiday party, claiming they want “perfect lips” for their event. I get it: having a great pout with some glam red lipstick is a look that’s hard to beat, especially for the holidays. Unfortunately, although we want to give you the perfect lips just in time for those holiday functions, we can’t always account for how your body will respond. Sometimes you’ll bruise, or you won’t be quite happy with one side, or the swelling takes a while to go down, or…you get the picture. The same goes for Botox. Remember that Botox takes 7-10 days to kick in, so plan ahead. With that being said, here are my detailed recommendations for your injectable timeline when it comes to the holidays. Botox This one is easy. Get your Botox in October. Funnily enough, October is when we have our big sale on Botox and filler (we totally didn’t plan that). More details will be released when we send out our email on the special, but for now, just know that it’s going to involve major savings. This is the best month to get your Botox for a few reasons. For one, if you get a full treatment, it’ll last you at least three months. That means it’s going to carry you through, wrinkle-free, until into the new year. The other benefit to getting your Botox done in October is that it gives you a chance to let it settle and still have time for a touch up. Inevitably, some people will need a touch up to really perfect their treatment. This means that if needed, you have a chance to correct everything in November, before Thanksgiving, and in December, before the rest of the winter holidays roll in. A note: I know everyone celebrates different holidays, so the timeline might be slightly different according to what day(s) you celebrate. Adjust as needed! Filler This one is also easy: get your filler done in October! You get a discount on your filler, it gives you plenty of time for a touch up, and since even our shortest-lasting filler stays put for a good six months, that means you’ll be looking glam until March. What that really means is if you get your lips done in October, you won’t need to worry about them again until spring and summer begin = more time for hibernation this winter. Since I’m all about maximizing my snuggle-with-a-good-book-and-hot-chocolate time in the colder months, this sounds like a great plan to me. Skincare Skincare is a little bit more complicated, because everyone has different skin types, and therefore different needs when it comes to facials and other treatments. However, almost everyone can benefit from doing a more in-depth exfoliation treatment before the holidays to help brighten and smooth the skin. Depending on what you normally do, skincare-wise, this can include peels, microdermabrasion, a HydraFacial, or adding on dermaplaning. Now, if you read my last article on dermaplaning, you’ll know that it’s one of my favorite treatments. I also think it’s a great way to step up your makeup-game over the holidays. In general, people tend to wear more makeup during the holiday season, and this includes foundation. Foundation glides on beautifully after dermaplaning (after a day or two of letting your skin breathe, of course), without all of those annoying little peach fuzz hairs sticking out. I also love a good HydraFacial at any point in the year. In fact, I think everyone, including both men and women, should be getting a HydraFacial every 4-6 weeks. It’s just good grooming. Good skin shouldn’t have a gender divide, you know? Plus, if you want a glow before an event, getting a HydraFacial the week before will insure you have soft, smooth skin, which is a good look on everyone. And, of course, now that the sun isn’t as intense, it’s a great time to do a peel. Peels remove several layers of skin, revealing a brighter complexion, better texture, and a more even tone. However, they do require some prep, so September is the month to schedule a consultation with an esthetician and see what treatment would be best for you, and how to prepare for it. If you do decide to get a peel, make sure to plan for healing time. The best times for a peel around the holidays is either October, beginning of November, or beginning of December. You want to give your skin 1-2 full weeks to heal completely. Some people shed their skin quickly after they’ve gotten a peel, but for some people, it can take some time for all of the old, dry skin to remove itself. By the end of the two weeks, your skin will look amazing, but if you have an event within a few days, and you’re still majorly peeling…well, it might be a good look for Halloween, but generally we don’t want our relatives to ask, “Uh, why is your face falling off?” at the Thanksgiving table. A Note About Money The holidays can be a stressful time for finances, for obvious reasons. That’s why it’s important to budget ahead of time, and if you can, get your beauty treatments done as early as possible. That way, when it gets to the last-minute present shopping, you’ll already be looking glam and will know exactly where your finances stand, instead of trying to cram it in all at once. That’s also why we like to offer an October special, as our own special present to you. And if you are looking for a last-minute gift, remember that we have gift certificates! As a last note: if you plan on coming in in October, make sure you book ASAP. It’s our busiest month every year, and things get a bit crazy. So, like I said earlier, check your schedule and plan ahead as much as you can. December-You will be grateful for September-You if you take care of these things now, rather than procrastinating. After all, less stress = fewer wrinkles. And isn’t that what we’re all after, anyways? Enjoy the start to fall, everyone! Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com

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When I started working as an MA at Infinity, I assumed I’d get typical questions, like whether it’s okay to lie down after Botox (don’t do it for four hours) and how to reduce bruising (arnica+ice). However, one of the most common questions I’m asked is the following: “What do I tell people?” Many of the women coming through our office are unsure of how to “explain” their treatment. Although your final outcome should be elegant and subtle, initially your results can look dramatic due to swelling. Even if it’s not, there’s often bruising at the injection site. Now, I was raised in a house where politeness was the end-all-be-all, so even if someone had huge duck lips, I’m aware it would be rude to ask about it. I would hope other people also follow this rule: if someone doesn’t offer the information, and you’re not besties for the resties, you probably should just leave that topic untouched. However, from what I hear from our clients, there are a lot of nosy coworkers out there. So I’m going to give you some responses you can use to carefully diminish the conversation and turn it around to something not having to do with your face. The #1 Answer: “Oh, I just had a facial.” This is my number one because it’s not far from the truth. It’s still a beauty treatment, and for those of us who have gotten medical-grade facials, we know how intense they can be. Extractions hurt. Sometimes more so than getting injectables. And they can cause red spots, swelling, and even bruising, depending on how deep they are. Plus, society seems to find facials socially acceptable, whereas some people still have hang-ups about Botox and fillers. Chances are, if you use this excuse the person asking will blow it off pretty quickly. #2: “Oh gosh, I feel so self-conscious of my bruise/swelling/etc now!” This should stop people in their tracks. It’s a polite way of telling someone that what they just said was nosy, and made you uncomfortable. If they have the social grace of a bulldozer, however, they still might inquire further. In which case, refer back to #1. #3: “My bruise/swelling/etc is from my Botox/filler/etc treatment.” Here’s my belief: honesty is often the best policy. I’m usually open about the treatments I’ve had, partially because I’m asked about it so often at work, and partially because I try not to care what other people think. If someone has an issue with what I do with my face, that seems like a bigger problem for them than it is for me. Listen: we’ve all had work done, to some degree. Everyone, man or woman, cares about their appearance to an extent. We get haircuts, whiten our teeth, wear perfume and cologne, and worry about our weight, acne, breath, etcetera. Granted, some of these are basic hygiene issues, but I see no difference between getting your hair highlighted and getting a touch of filler in your lips. Why is one “fake” and not the other? Both are altering your natural appearance. So I say, why not own what you do, and be up front about it? At the end of the day, you should do what makes you happy. However, if you plain don’t want people to know your business, that’s totally understandable too. Just dab on some concealer, ice away, and if anyone asks, use responses #1 and #2 for a foolproof escape. Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com

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“What’s the difference between fillers, anyways? Aren’t they all the same?” If you’ve ever thought this, no shame, because most of us do. We hear the word “filler” and it’s like Botox: we assume it’s a one-size-fits-all type of situation (hint: Botox isn’t the only player in that field, either). In order to understand why you can’t use some of your Volbella in your cheekbones, or why Voluma is different from Radiesse, keep reading. Here are (some of) the main players in the game: Hyaluronic Acid aka HA Filler (Juvederm/Restylane/etc) Polylactic Acid Filler (Sculptra) Calcium Hydroxyapatite aka CaHA Filler (Radiesse) There are more, but these are the ones you’re most likely to run into in the injectables world. So let’s break them down (not literally). Products like Radiesse are made from ions of calcium and phosphate. What this means, essentially, is it’s going to mimic bone. Pro? It lasts a long time. Con? Once it’s there, it’s there. If it’s placed wrong, it can’t be dissolved. And because it lasts so long, you’re going to be stuck with your results for upwards of five years. We don’t offer this product at Infinity, but some injectors use it, so make sure you know what you’re getting into if that’s what your injector wants to use. Products like Sculptra work by stimulating collagen production. This means your body is actually creating the substance that will give you the overall volume. Again, you’re going to get longer-lasting results, but they can’t be dissolved. Some injectors use this product with great success, especially in larger areas of the body (like those that are looking for a non-surgical butt lift) and plenty of people use it in the face, but as always, ask lots of questions before you get this procedure. Once it’s injected, the results are there to stay. Products like Juvederm & Restylane work by attracting water to the area of injection. The filler itself is extremely hydrating (consider adding hyaluronic acid to your skincare regimen–your skin will thank you). HA fillers don’t last as long, since hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance, and your body metabolizes it more easily. However, the upside of this is that you can always dissolve and/or adjust your filler if you don’t like it. It’s also safer; if it’s accidentally injected in a blood vessel, it can be dissolved whereas products like Radiesse can’t. HA fillers are what we offer at Infinity, which is why I’m going to focus on them. So what’s the difference between Juvederm and Restylane, anyways? Juvederm and Restylane both fall under the large umbrella that is HA fillers. However, there are two smaller umbrellas: Allergan and Galderma. These are the companies that make these products. Allergan makes Juvederm and Botox while Galderma makes Restylane and Dysport (another form of Botox). Allergan is probably one of the most prominent medical aesthetic companies out there. Their fillers are pretty much a go-to for every injector. So let’s talk about those products first: Juvederm Ultra & Ultra Plus (lasts approximately 6-12 months) These are your basic fillers. They’re medium consistency, with Ultra Plus being quite a bit heavier. These are great for the lips, or great when injected to plump out the hollows of the cheeks. These products can be used just about anywhere, except they’re generally not used for the cheekbone area anymore, now that we have Voluma, which is the best product for that area (see below). Voluma (lasts approximately 18-24 months) Voluma is specifically for the cheekbones. The texture of this filler is what makes it so great for mimicking a prominent cheekbone. Voluma is usually only injected where there are supposed to be prominent bony areas. For example, the cheekbones, the jaw, and sometimes areas like the chin. Because it’s such a stiff product, it’s not great for the lips. Vollure (lasts approximately 12-18 months) Vollure was specifically designed for the nasolabial folds aka your smile lines. It’s great when used in that area. It can also be used in the lips. It’s designed to have a slightly more “pillowy” look than Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus, but it’s definitely going to give you lots of volume just as those two would. Sometimes Vollure can lump up in the lips (regardless of how it’s injected) so note that if it happens, it’s nothing to worry about, but if you want them gone you’ll have to go in and have the lump(s) dissolved. Volbella (lasts approximately 6-12 months) Volbella is the baby product when it comes to lines. It was designed for the “smokers lines” aka those wrinkles you get above your upper lip when you sip through a straw. As we age, those lines tend to stick around, and it can be difficult to remove them, so Volbella is your best bet. It’s an extremely thin filler, so it won’t give you much volume, but it creates a lovely, subtle look and smoothes out fine lines easily. If you want, you can also have it injected into your lips, but please note it won’t give you a huge increase in volume, and works best if you have thin lips. If you have somewhat full lips, it’s unlikely you’ll even notice a difference. And what about Restylane? Galderma follows the same pattern as Allergan, having designed different products for different areas of the face. We only use two of their products at Infinity, Restylane-L and Restylane Lyft, but I’ll give a brief overview of the others offered. Refyne & Defyne (lasts approximately 12 months) Refyne was designed for the nasolabial lines and marionette lines, as was Defyne. The gel they use has special cross-linking tech to create supportive results, while still remaining natural. We don’t offer these products at Infinity. Lyft (lasts approximately 12 months) Lyft is very similar to Voluma. It’s meant to be used in the cheekbone area, as well as the hands. It’s a very lifting product, as the name implies, so again, like Voluma, this isn’t a product you would want to put in the lips. We offer this product at Infinity. Silk (lasts approximately 6 months) Restylane Silk is a very thin, light product, that uses smaller particles. This product was designed for the lips, and was made to create natural, soft results. We don’t offer this product at Infinity. Restylane-L (lasts approximately 12 months) Restylane-L, often confused with Lyft, is one of those, basic, go-to products like Juvederm. This is primarily what we use for under-eye filler. Unlike Lyft, it uses smaller particles, so it’s more versatile. We do offer this product at Infinity. Now, an overview: By reading through these descriptions, you should now have an idea of why your injector won’t agree to split a syringe of Voluma between your cheeks and lips. Even though “filler” is a general term, it’s just like when you’re cooking–you might use spices, but there’s a big difference between what you’d use cinnamon for, and what you’d use smoked paprika for, you know? If your injector refuses to use one filler in a certain area, they should definitely explain why, so you can understand. However, please be aware that injectors are not trying to get you to buy pointless syringes of filler. If they recommend something, like both Voluma and Volbella, please be aware that they think those will give you the best results, versus used something like Juvederm all over. Of course, you can always discuss your options, but it’s good to understand that there really isn’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to fillers. Of course, this doesn’t account for dishonest people who may try to dupe you–but as I always say, do your research, go in for a consult, and ask lots of questions! Have a great start to August, everyone! Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com

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“Start globally, and then work on the small details.” That was the advice my first college English professor gave me about writing essays. Weirdly enough, it ended up being applicable to pretty much everything in life. That same college professor ended up recommending me for my first job as an English tutor, and straightaway I saw what she meant. People would come in having worked and re-worked sentences, but would still be unhappy with the overall product–because they weren’t looking at the big picture. This is how beauty works, too. We all have the tendency to look in the mirror and nitpick. If you don’t, you are probably extremely mentally healthy and should probably spill your secrets. Please? For the rest of us, we often look at the small details. For example, I’m consistently bothered by the fact that my eyes are different shapes. One lid is heavier than the other, and it’s the first thing I look for in the mirror. For other people, I’ve heard a whole range of things–it’s their skin, or their hairline, or the size of their lower lip compared to their upper, or how one side of their face has a wrinkle that the other doesn’t–you get the picture. Fortunately, study after study has shown that virtually no one else sees these things. Other people are the opposite–when they look at us, they see the big picture. Whether it’s because humans tend to be rather self-oriented creatures, or because we really just don’t spend that much time looking for flaws in others (yay us), what it comes down to is that most faces are being looked at globally, and the small details are being ignored. This is where injectables come in. Time after time I see people come in with, let’s say, a $1100 budget. Now, there are a few things you can do with a budget like that. One, you could do something like a major Botox treatment, and a syringe of filler in the lips. Two, you could do a syringe of Voluma and a milder Botox treatment. Or three, you could do two syringes of Juvederm, maybe one in the lips and one in the smile lines. Which option do you think people usually go for? In my experience, people often go for something like option three. They constantly are bothered by their lower face, and that’s what they focus on, instead of looking at the overall composition of what’s going on. Now, every face is different, and everyone has different desires for how they want to look, so I can’t say which option is perfect for everyone. In the younger generations, most people are just looking to get fuller lips, or maybe higher cheekbones. If you’re doing injectables with anti-aging in mind, however, my recommendation is to go for something like option two. Option two gives you the most global treatment. Option one gives you a great anti-aging benefit of really nailing down the Botox and preventing wrinkles, but you’re only getting your lips injected. While your lips will look great, it’s a small detail. Option three is also great, because you’re treating the mouth area. But, and this is a big but, the reason you feel like you want to plump out the mouth area is most likely due to sagging that isn’t actually in the mouth area. It’s in the cheeks. Gravity starts from the top up. The areas that start to sag the most are the brows, the cheeks, and the submentum (under the jaw). In other articles we’ve talked about how important it is to treat the mid-face. This is why. If you’re in this for the long run, think big. The first thing you want to do is create an awesome canvas. You want to focus on good skin (skincare/facials), preventing any more aging (Botox/lasers), and removing signs of aging (filler/lasers). As a general rule, a good wishlist for anti-aging (not accounting for individual problems and budgets) would be something like this: 1. If you haven’t already, make sure you’re using good skincare products. 2. Treat with Voluma in the cheeks to lift everything. For most people, this requires about two syringes. 3. Prevent wrinkles with Botox. Focus on the brows and forehead, and soften the crows. 4. Lift the jawline, usually by injecting a product like Voluma into the jaw on either side. 5. Treat around the mouth with a product like Volbella (a very subtle, soft product that is GREAT for thin lines around the mouth.) 6. Depending on how much volume you want, either use the leftover Volbella to fill out the lips (if there is any left), or use another syringe of filler, such as Juvederm. If you have specialized concerns, focus on those. For example, if you have really dry skin with a rough texture, absolutely emphasize skincare. You’d be surprised by how many wrinkles disappear once you hydrate your skin. Or if you feel like your lips are perfectly fine, but you have a ton of sagging in the cheek area, then definitely budget for more Voluma, rather than spending the money on something you don’t really need and want. Now, speaking of budgets, you might be looking at that list and thinking, yeah, that’s great and all but how am I supposed to afford it? That’s partially up to you and your personal finances. But it’s also up to how patient you are. Some people get Botox treatments every four months, and only get filler once or twice a year. This is perfectly normal. Remember that a product like Voluma lasts about two years, so some people get a syringe every year or so and layer it to create a very elegant look. Other people might do one syringe of Voluma, and then six months later get their lips done. If you want it all, and you want it right now, well, that I can’t help you with. I think the biggest surprise to people is how long it takes to cultivate beauty, in any form, really. If you want drastic results quickly, you have to have a big budget and/or it might be better to look into surgical options. For example, although surgery is going to cost more, if you get a lower face lift, it’s a one-and-done sort of deal. On the other hand, if you’re going the injectables route, you might need to do Kybella, wait six weeks, see what your results are, do more Kybella, then get filler in the jaw, and maybe a round of CoolSculpting, which can take four months to truly show results. See what I mean? I think this a bonus to getting injectables. Surgery has the potential to be very beautiful, but you’re going under anesthesia and trusting something with something pretty drastic. Injectables, on the other hand, may take longer, but in many ways you have full control of your treatment. You’re in a constant dialogue with your practitioner, and they’re following along with your progress. Plus, as time goes on and things like your skincare change, or you lose weight, your practitioner is able to account for those changes and modify accordingly. In other words, what might have been a problem six months ago might not be a problem anymore. We’ve had people who washed their face with a bar of soap start using high-end, medical-grade products and voila! Within a few months they look a decade younger, just from spending a couple hundred on products, whereas surgery would have been in the thousands. If I haven’t been clear enough, here’s my point: have patience. Think globally. Look at the big picture, and plan ahead. This should be fun! Look forward to the treatments you’ll get to have. Most importantly, look forward to when you get to the small details. If you’ve gotten to where you want to fix the small things and have blown through the more boring global details, that means you’re probably looking pretty dang good. You go, Glen Coco. Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com

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Fun fact: according to US research, women who have a more defined, masculine jaw shape are more likely to cheat because they have higher levels of testosterone, while a Dutch study found that when people were shown photos of faces with a small or receding chin, they automatically labeled them as shy and indecisive. In my humble opinion, the most important aspects of the face come down to just a few components. When it comes to makeup, I think having glowy, clear skin, following by a good brow, a subtle lip color, and flirty lashes are really all you need. By focusing on these four (skin, brows, lips, lashes) you create balance throughout the face. When it comes to injectables, I think it’s even simpler: focus on the mid-face, and the jawline. Every face is different, and has different needs, but I would go so far as to say that everyone can benefit from at least a bit of Voluma in the cheeks (to help accentuate the cheekbones and lift any sagging), as well as sculpting of the jawline, whether through reduction (fat removal) or contouring (filler). The other benefit to emphasizing treatment in these areas is that it can create a very natural youthful look, without appearing overdone or overfilled. Plus, just about anyone at any age can get both of these treatments. I’ve talked about the benefits of treating the mid-face (namely in my under-eye filler blog, where I talked about treating the mid-face first) but I haven’t talked quite as much about the jawline. As you can see under the “fun facts” I listed a the beginning of this post, jawlines are weirdly definitive when it comes to first impressions. If the eyes are the window of the soul, then the jawline is the flooring. And everyone seems to be very into flooring these days. Going with my analogy, if you don’t have a strong base, then everything else you do is becomes a Band-aid. Painting the walls a new color won’t help if you don’t have a good foundation. I’d also like to add a side note here: I’m all about accepting natural beauty. I’m not saying anyone needs to get these treatments; rather, if you are into aesthetics and balancing facial symmetry through injectables, try to align your wishlist to treating the big picture first, and work on the small details later. Creating the perfect jawline takes three steps: defining, contouring, and refinement. Let’s start with the first. Define First things first: we’ve gotta see the jawline. As in, the actual line, of the jaw. Surgery aside, the two most popular options for this are Kybella and CoolSculpting. One of the first blog posts I did was in-depth about Kybella, so I recommend checking that out if you want all the deets. In the meantime, let me give you a short summary of both Kybella and CoolSculpting: Kybella is a fat-burning acid. It’s injected into what we call the submentum, which is basically just the area under your jawline, but above your neck. Once it’s injected, it’s permanent–there’s no getting your fat cells back (although I’m not sure why anyone would want that). Depending on how much fat you have there and how much is injected each time, you may need anywhere from one to six treatments. Try to be patient with Kybella; it takes time for the fat to dissolve, so when you start treatments, make sure you understand you’re in it for the long haul–and it’s worth it. CoolSculpting also focuses on removing fat cells, albeit a different method. The technical name is “cryolipolysis” which is a nerdy way of saying “fat freezing”. Basically, fat cells don’t like to be cold (hear hear). CoolSculpting freezes the cells to the point of no return, and your body naturally eliminates them within two to six months, resulting in a 20-25% reduction of fat in the treated area. Either or both of these treatments is a great option. Some people like to combine them by using CoolSculpting first, and then using Kybella to spot-treat any remaining fat. Honestly, your best bet is to chat with someone at a consultation and see what they recommend. At the end of the day, you really can’t go wrong. Once you do either or both of these treatments and your jawline is nice and defined, you’re ready to move onto the next step. Contouring Once you’ve revealed your jawline and you have a sense of its overall shape, you can move forward with accentuating where you need to. PSA: if you’ve skipped the whole fat-removal step because you think you don’t need it, that’s just fine. Bear in mind, however, that most people have a little something extra in their submentum, so if you’re looking for an especially clean cut jaw angle, you should do at least a bit of fat removal. Even if you do filler first, don’t rule out fat removal; some injectors even like to do filler first, and then something like Kybella, so really anything goes. As I said earlier, everyone’s face is different, so exactly where the filler is placed will depend on what you and your injector decide. The most common placement I see is the back of the jaw, where you can feel the tip of the jaw (“angle of the mandible”) an inch or two below the earlobe. This helps “separate” the jaw from the neck. Think of a ballerina: their jawline is extremely defined from the neck. Some ballerinas look like they could cut a block of cheese with their jawline which is the look we’re aiming towards, without having to do all of the pliés. The second most common place I see filler along the jawline is on either side of the chin. As we age we lose fat in the face, and it’s common to see “dimpling” around the chin. This can create a chin that appears very pointy and separate from the jaw, which we don’t want. We want the entire jawline, including the chin, to appear as one smooth entity, separate from the neck and defined from the rest of the face. That’s why I call this part “contouring”: just as you would with makeup, you’re literally sculpting the face, but with filler. And speaking of makeup… Refinement This part is easy. Once you’ve defined and revealed your jawline by slimming it out with Kybella or CoolSculpting, and sculpted it with filler, you should be all set. However, sometimes there’s muscle or bone deficiency on one side, so even if the filler is injected evenly, there can be remaining asymmetry post-injection. Slight asymmetry is normal, because faces are rarely, if ever, perfectly symmetrical, but if you notice one side you love and one side you feel “meh” about, definitely go back in and chat with you injector. To really make your results pop, I recommend investing in a good bronzer (I like Tarte and Charlotte Tillbury, and Nars has a great liquid bronzer for those skilled enough). Use the bronzer (lightly!) on the sides of your neck, and the hollows of your cheeks. This will help create shadowing that will highlight your jawline, but make sure to blend, so you don’t look like you have dark orange spots on your face and neck. I also know some makeup artists like to use a dark, grey toned color to create more “shadowing” beneath the cheekbones and under the jaw. Play around and see what you like–if you experiment, you’ll find out pretty quickly. And last, but not least… FAQs 1. Does filler in the jaw hurt? As with any other filler, there’s a bit of discomfort. It’s pretty similar to getting filler in the cheeks, except it can be slightly more nerve-wracking, since there can be some crackling sounds that are loud (since it’s right by the ear). Know that your jaw will definitely be sore and achy afterwards, but if you have any severe pain, let your injector know immediately. 2. What if I hate my results? Unlikely. But with all hyaluronic acid fillers, if you realllly regret getting it even after a few weeks, it can always be dissolved. Just call the center you went to and schedule an appointment with your injector. 3. Is there anything special I need to do to prepare? Nope! Just the usual. Avoid blood thinners (alcohol, Advil, etc), apply arnica for bruising, take an anti-histamine for any excess swelling, ice intermittently if you want, and make sure you plan ahead–don’t get filler the day before a wedding. Make sure you give yourself at least a few weeks to a month. Also, even if your jaw is achy, don’t massage it. This can displace the filler and affect your results. 4. Anything else? Make sure you don’t try to talk during these injections. People get chatty when they get nervous, and try to talk while they’re getting injected. Not a problem for some Botox in the forehead…but a bigger issue when you’ve got a needle in the jaw. Instead, focus on your breathing and/or ask your injector or their assistant to distract you if you need it (we use anything from essential oils to squeezy balls). That’s it for this time! As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out and ask. Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com

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Fun fact: the human eyeball is on average 1 inch across, weighs approximately a quarter of an ounce, and of all the muscles in your body, your eye muscles are the most active–we blink an average of 12 times/minute. This week I’m going to write about under eye filler, because I’ve noticed lately it is extremely popular. When I first started working at Infinity, nobody requested it, and now virtually everyone asks about it at some point. The decision to write about this was poor timing, because I recently applied some very-pretty-but-very-long-nails, making typing difficult, and under eye filler is jam-packed with lots of info to write about. So, bear with me. If there are typos, well, it was because of my cute new pink nails. #worthit Let’s start with the basics: What to know BEFORE you get under eye filler The number one thing to know is: Your injector is doing you a disservice if they don’t address your mid-face first. I had a whole conversation with Dr. Messina about this, and she’d had a whole conversation about it with a trainer, so you can take this as truth. However, let me talk about the “why”, because, alas, no one ever takes my words for truth without some evidence (which I fully support. Ask questions. Knowledge is power!). So here’s the why: As we age, our face starts to do a few things. Namely, we lose fat, hollowing out cheekbones, temples, etc; wrinkles start to “stick”, meaning, even if we’re not expressing (frowning, smiling, sipping through a straw) the wrinkles are still there; and most importantly (at least in my humble opinion), everything starts to “fall”. When I say “fall”, it’s not a clinical term–things are literally no longer defying gravity. When you’re in your teens and twenties, everything is full of collagen, lifted, and taut. As we age, things start to…well, sag. In terms of prevention, I think sagging is the most important aspect of aging to focus on. Wrinkles and some hollowing appear much more graceful on a lifted face. However, even if a face is plump, if it’s sagging and falling into itself, it makes the aging appear much more drastic, and much less elegant. This is where treating the mid-face comes in. The first thing you should focus on is lifting everything from the cheek region. The best product for this is Voluma. Out of all the fillers, Voluma is probably my favorite. It’s like the magical unicorn of injectables. It works instantly, and I’ve seen so many people walk out of the office with regal, modelesque high cheekbones, their face totally transformed. You’re probably thinking, okay, but what does this have to do with my under eyes? I’ll tell ya what, champ. I’m going to make a wild estimate and say that about 30-50% of people who think they need under eye filler actually need the mid-face corrected. When you lift the cheekbones, you’d be surprised by how many people suddenly appear bright-eyed-and-bushy-tailed. Often, treating the under eyes is the band-aid, and treating the mid-face is the cure. I’m going to make another wild estimate, and also transition into the next Q&A: Another 30% of people who don’t need the mid-face treated, but think they need under eye filler probably need a lifestyle change. What does my lifestyle have to do with under eye filler? When I chat with people about what filler they want/where they want it/etc, I would say that a solid chunk of people wanting under eye filler want it because they think they look really tired. When I inquire about this, it always turns out that they are, in fact, exceptionally tired. Usually I hear something like they only sleep five hours every night, when most people need seven to nine hours. When we chat further, it also usually turns out that they have a high sodium diet. Because, generally, they’re too tired to cook and/or living such busy lifestyles they eat lots of fast food. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation and a high sodium diet are precisely the two things that make the under eyes look dull and tired. When you’re not getting enough sleep, you have increased venous congestion, and that fluid buildup pools in blood vessels close to the surface, making the under eyes appear darker. Same goes for a high sodium diet. In addition, the filler generally used for the under eyes is particularly hydrophilic (water-loving), so if you’re retaining lots of fluid, this can actually make the under eyes puffy, since the filler is basically asking all of that water to come help out. Please also be aware that due to that unfortunate thing called genetics, you may simply just have much more pigmentation around the under eyes, and this won’t be treated by filler. I recommend investing in a good concealer instead (I like the Tarte Shape Tape). So, in summary, here’s my advice: before you get under eye filler, try as best as you can to regularly get enough sleep, and make sure you’re eating a balanced diet. If you want some fries every now and then, that’s fine, but if you’re eating tons of processed food, like chips, packaged cookies, or even “healthy” pre-made foods (these usually contain tons of sodium, sadly), consider trying to make a change to your diet and incorporating more fresh food. I guarantee you’ll see a difference not only in the under eyes, but also in your skin, and even in your tummy. And, like I said earlier: I also highly recommend that you make sure your mid-face, particularly your cheeks, are completely treated before moving forward. If you’ve read all of that, feel confident, and want to get under eye filler, then let’s talk about what comes next! Here are the most common questions I get asked about under eye filler: -Does it hurt? Like I always tell people, remember that it IS a needle going into your face, so you may feel a bit of a pinch. But compared to say, the lips, it’s really nothing. Plus, we numb you beforehand! I think what people are really asking is: Is it total fire-breathing horrific pain? The answer to that is a solid no. Most people say it’s comparable to getting the cheeks done. -Is it dangerous? Referencing my last article, I’m going to say, not especially, with an experienced and trained injector. Of course, there are always risks to filler, like we talked about last week. It’s possible to cause partial or full blindness when you’re working around the eyes, but it’s a fraction of a percent, so keep in mind it’s very, very rare. There another technique for the under eyes, using something called a cannula (a type of blunt needle) that is slightly safer, but even with cannulas there have been reported cases of vascular occlusion. Just make sure to go to someone you trust, and if it makes you feel more comfortable, as what safety precautions they’re going to take. -What if the injector pokes me in the eyeball? Granted, I’ve only been asked this once but it was memorable. The client in question also kept flinching with every poke of the needle, which made me extremely sweaty, because, HELLO. Trust me, your injector is probably even more aware of your eyeballs than you are. If you really think the injector is going to poke you in the eye, question whether you should be seeing that particular injector. -Will it work immediately? Yes…but also no. The filler will show some immediate results, but it takes a bit to settle in the under eyes. Your injector will most likely massage the product after injecting, so be prepared for that, but it still may appear slightly lumpy. Give it some time before you start worrying about the final results. Also, under eye filler is often done in stages. See below. -How much do I need? No more than one syringe for virtually all people. Unless you have some seriously hollow under eyes, one syringe is plenty. I commonly see a quarter to a half of a syringe put in, and another quarter to a half put in a month later (or longer) once things have settled. So if you’re an Eager Beaver (aren’t we all) before you go in you should understand that it might be a bit of a process–all good things take time! -Can’t I use another (i.e. cheaper/the rest of my other syringe/etc) filler? Nope! Sorry friend. Some of the other fillers are okay (like Juvederm or Belotero), but most injectors agree that Restylane is the go-to for the under eyes. The most commonly used (aside from Restylane) are Vollure and even Volbella, so those are other options you can discuss with your injector, but recognize and understand that a filler used for one area of your face might not be great for another area. -I really want the filler, but I’m so nervous! Help! Breathe! I like to tell people all of the risks so they have as much information as they need. Plus, I think it makes you appreciate the results so much more. And, understanding the risks means you’re probably going to appreciate a good injector. Groupon is great for a lot of things, but this isn’t one of them. Just remember: either close your eyes, or look straight up and back towards the ceiling to avoid looking at the needle. Ask for a squeezy ball so you can channel any nervous flinching. And always remember to b.r.e.a.t.h.e. I swear it helps. The other thing to remember is that your injector does this for hours every day–even though you’re nervous, this is their job. They know what they’re doing, and their whole team is there to take care of you! Ask for whatever you need, whether that’s smelling salts, essential oils, a juice box, someone to distract you–anything. -How do I take care of my eyes afterwards? Like all other filler! Avoid blood thinners before. Ice intermittently afterwards. Take an antihistamine for swelling. Apply topical arnica to help heal bruising. Other than that, just let your body do it’s thing and heal! That’s it for this week. If you have any Q’s, just let me know what I missed and I’ll be happy to answer! Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com

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EVERYTHING FROM MINOR ISSUES TO THE MORE SEVERE Fun fact: if you took all of the blood vessels out of an adult human and laid them out, they would form a line approximately 100,000 miles long. I recently saw a post by The Beauty Nurse, Melissa Berg (@thebeautynurse, I recommend you follow her for good product recommendations/etc) where she reposted a picture showing all of the injection sites in the face where there had been cases of reported blindness due to filler. Unfortunately, it was posted to her Instagram story, so it disappeared after 24 hours, and I haven’t been able to find it since then, but to summarize–there were spots all over the face. This got me thinking: I think it’s important to understand the risks of injectables, but more importantly, you should understand what to do when something goes wrong. Writing about this makes me feel uncomfortable, because on the one hand, I think injectables can be quite fun and I don’t want to scare people away unnecessarily, but on the other hand, I think plenty of people aren’t aware that there are definite risks. Clients are often concerned with bruising, but fewer people are concerned with potential side effects. They are incredibly rare, granted, but they do happen, and it’s important to know what to do. I’m going to add an addendum here: this blog is going to cover everything from minor issues to the more severe. Botox really only falls under the “minor” category, such as unevenness or heaviness in the eyelids. Filler is primarily the more “risky” injectable, so we’ll be focusing on that. I also want to include, for the Nervous Nellie’s out there (I’m one of them), that these incidents are extremely rare. This is not a common occurrence AT ALL, with an experienced and trained injector. Notice my double use of underlining AND bold font. That’s how passionate I am, y’all. I mean what I say and I say what I mean. The beauty industry is a huge, ever-expanding place filled with people eager to partake in the various glories of lip filler, facial contouring, and Botox. I keep hearing more and more stories about medical assistants and hair stylists trying to inject Botox and filler, and somehow, these people keep finding clients. This blog is a reminder that going and seeing someone who is not properly trained is always a bad idea. If the prices are cheap, it’s probably too good to be true. Let me start off by mentioning one of the most high-risk areas: the nose and area between the brows. These places are great for Botox (to treat frown lines and those “bunny” lines when you scrunch your nose). However, these aren’t great places for filler. Don’t get me wrong, it can look great. If you have ingrained lines from years of frowning, or you want to smooth the profile of your nose, it looks good to have a bit of filler placed there. Unfortunately, it’s our policy not to inject there, simply because it’s so risky. When you inject filler, it’s literally “filling” the space. This is great for added volume, like in the lips or cheeks, or to fill in hollow areas, like a divot in the chin, for example. But, take a look at this picture: This is a generic map of the blood vessels in the face. Like I said, filler is meant to fill. What happens if filler is injected into one of these vessels, which cover virtually every square inch of the face? Long story short, not-so-good things. The nose is particularly important here, because the vessels located between the brows and along the nose have a direct connection to the eyes. If filler is placed into one of these vessels, immediate and permanent blindness will occur. Can you say #yikes? A few of our team members went to an injectables training where the trainer talked about a client they had, where they injected into the nose, and the client immediately and irreversibly became blind. Keep in mind this was a trainer, someone who is supposed to be the top of the chain when it comes to this industry. And they were, but it could have happened to anyone. So please, if you want work done on your nose, go to a plastic surgeon. We’ve had a few clients beg us to do filler on their nose, and although we’d love to make everyone happy, it’s not worth the risk. So! Moving on. The Minor Minor issues include, but are not limited to: uneven Botox, eyebrows that are too “archy” from Botox, heaviness in the eyelids from Botox, not enough Botox, uneven filler, small bumps of filler due to it “lumping”. These are all easily fixed. The magic answer: call the center you went to! Most of the time these are quick 15-30 minute appointments, and are often complementary. For example, if one eyebrow is a bit higher than the other, your injector will simply inject another unit or two to even it out, and will usually comp the treatment. The same goes for a small filler touch up, or to dissolve filler. Also, remember that hyaluronic acid filler (the only kind we use at Infinity) can always be dissolved using a product called Hylenex, and will also slowly dissolve over time (6 months-2 years). Botox dissolves faster (3-6 months), but once it’s been injected, it can’t be removed. The Moderate Moderate issues include but are not limited to: poorly placed filler, causing obvious unevenness and/or lumps, excessive swelling, and excessive bruising. For excessive bruising: apply arnica topically and consider taking it orally. Also make sure you follow the correct prep before your treatment, and take care to avoid blood thinners (aspirin, Advil, alcohol, etc). Usually excessive bruising is due to having taken blood thinners prior to treatment, as well as the person just being someone who bruises easily (for various reasons). Bruising isn’t fun, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. If, of course, you’re worried for any reason–perhaps you have a large, spreading bruise, which is more concerning–definitely call the center you went to and check in with them. For excessive swelling: first things first, make sure you’re not having some type of allergic reaction, due to the numbing cream or other environmental contaminant. There is virtually 0% chance of having an allergic reaction to Botox or hyaluronic acid filler, but sometimes, very, very rarely, the immune system gets triggered, causing one anyways. How can you tell if you’re having an allergic reaction? Normal swelling will just make the area look puffy, red, and maybe slightly warm for the first few hours or so. Then the color should normalize, and swelling will continue to increase, reaching its peak 24-72 hours after the treatment. An allergic reaction, however, is usually accompanied by what you’d expect: hives, a rashy feeling, itching, and weird, lumpy swelling (think: Jennifer Lopez in “Monster In Law”, when she’s tricked into eating peanuts). If you think you’re having an allergic reaction, call the center you went to (of course, if it’s something where you’re having trouble breathing, obviously go to the ER. Always go to the ER if you’re having trouble breathing. It’s just a good general rule for life). If it’s just normal swelling, take an antihistamine, and apply ice intermittently. For poorly placed filler, or if your results are too big/etc: this is still a fairly easy correction, even if the filler isn’t entirely what you’d hoped for. Go in to see the injector and discuss your results. What do you want done differently? Remember to have realistic goals. Even if you get luscious lips, it won’t fulfill your goals of looking like Angelina Jolie or Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Focus on what fits your face. If you go somewhere and your filler is terribly placed, super lumpy, or just all around bad, the first thing that needs to happen is getting that filler dissolved. Either go to a new injector, or a new clinic, unless for some reason you trust the original injector to fix it. Truly uneven filler is different from small lumps of filler, which I listed under the “minor” issues. Small, very minor lumps (as in, one or two) are normal and common with certain kinds of filler, like Vollure. Truly uneven filler is a more “moderate” issues (hence why I listed it under this category), and takes more work to correct, but never fear! It may take more time, but in the big picture, it’s still a pretty easy fix. The Serious Serious issues include but are not limited to: vascular occlusion. This is the big fear for injectors. It’s rare, but it happens. When vascular occlusion occurs, blocking the vessel, it causes blood flow to the area to stop. This causes necrosis, and in some cases will cause blistering and an infection. I’m going to attach a photo below that shows the stages of vascular occlusion, so if you’re especially squeamish, maybe close your eyes as it comes into view and just scroll right past it. This picture was pulled from Instagram (as it shows on the photo, credits go to The Consultant Clinic. It’s not their patient, just a photo they were given permission to use!) Okay, here goes! Don’t say I didn’t warn you. This occurred because someone without any medical qualifications was injecting. Hence why I always recommend thoroughly looking into clinics. Do your research, y’all! What do you need to know about vascular occlusion, as a client? First things first: do NOT ignore severe pain. If the injector places the filler and you immediately have incredibly severe pain, this is the first major sign. Mild throbbing, discomfort from the needle, or an achy feeling from the filler is normal. Severe pain is not. Tell your injector right away. The other big sign is a change in skin color. More specifically, blanching i.e. white spots and patches are the big warning sign that some type of occlusion has occurred. Your injector should be the first to notice this, but if you see any blanching later on, reach out to the clinic you went to. On a personal note, I scared the Holy Mackerel out of myself for this reason when I had a bit of lip filler done. I didn’t want anything drastic, so it was just a few pokes, and yet, when I went to look in the mirror a bit later, I had a big white patch underneath my Cupid’s bow. Of course, I scared myself terribly and ran to Dr. Messina in a panic. It turns out that due to an accident I had a few years ago where I was kicked in the face by a horse, I already had discoloration there (my lip was split in the accident, damaging the blood flow to that area). The swelling and volume from the lip filler just highlighted it more. So sometimes blanching or other forms of discoloration can just be highlighted by the filler–we tend to notice it, because we’re suddenly staring at the place where we got the filler. If you’ve noticed the discoloration previously, don’t worry about it. But if what was a nice, rosy area of your lips suddenly turns white, or if you’ve suddenly got a white patch on your cheek/etc–contact your injector. Here are some things your injector should do if you have a suspected vascular occlusion: increase blood flow to the area via a warm compress, massage, and/or tapping give you a dose of aspirin or other anti-coagulant (blood thinner) attempt to dissolve the filler using Hylenex, “flooding” the area according to careful guidelines prescribe antibiotics if there is blistering and the potential for infection use hyperbaric oxygen in severe cases, in order to help save the compromised tissue if necrosis is inevitable, wound care should be addressed, as well as evaluation for managing scar tissue Here are some things your injector can and should be doing to prevent occlusion: have an thorough knowledge of facial anatomy, particularly the higher-risk areas aspirate for every injection, which means they “draw back” on the syringe, and if there’s a flash of blood, that means they’re in a vessel injections should be performed slowly and carefully, to assess whether or not any negative reactions are occurring (the pain and blanching we discussed above) cannulas (blunt needles) can be used in some areas, to help reduce damage to vessels. The research is mixed on cannulas, so they’re not the end-all-be-all (meaning, other safety precautions still need to be taken). Some final thoughts: keep in mind if you go to an injector that uses synthetic fillers (non-hyaluronic acid), once the filler is injected, it is virtually impossible to remove it. Products like Sculptra are great, but they act as an irritant, stimulating the body to produce more collagen. Because this collagen is self-produced, it isn’t easy to remove like hyaluronic fillers. On the other hand, it lasts longer, but that’s a different conversation. Other products like Radiesse are just as difficult to manage once it’s been injected. Radiesse is made from calcium hydroxyapatite, which ends up having the consistency of bone. We’ve had a few clients come in after having had it for 5+ years, and it hasn’t disappeared, which is great…unless you’re not happy with the results. I wouldn’t recommend you let the potential for issues stop you from getting injectables, especially since it’s so rare. It would be like not getting surgery just because of the potential complications of anesthesia, or not driving because you’re afraid of getting into an accident. Which is way more common, by the way. However, I recommend never, ever getting filler in the nose, and understand that any area can have risks. So, like I always say, and will probably say until the day I die, and probably even after that from the grave: do your research. Don’t go to some random person working out of a van (yes that does happen) just because it’s cheaper. If some crazy person gives you bad filler, well, as I like to say, that’s one doodle that can’t be undid. I hope I haven’t scared anybody off! I swear we’ll be back to fun topics next time! In the meantime, just take all of this information in stride, and go forth being a knowledgeable consumer. #YouGoGlenCoco Take care, lovelies! Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com

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THE HYDRAFACIAL Fun fact(s): did you know that about 50% of the dust in your home is dead skin? Every minute, your skin sheds about 30,000 dead cells. In case you needed motivation to vacuum…now you have it. Our skin renews itself every 28 days, so those dust bunnies are just small, fluffy versions of you a few weeks ago. Have fun with that thought! #sorrynotsorry If you follow me on Instagram, or if you follow Infinity Wellness Center, where I work, (@laylarazpearl and @infinitywellnessspa, respectively) you probably saw that I was the model for a Hydrafacial demo back in March. I had been begging Dr. Messina for months to bring the Hydrafacial into Infinity’s practice because I felt like it would be a huge hit, and is something our clients would benefit from. Luckily, she ended up agreeing and we couldn’t believe what we saw during the demo! My skin has always had issues as far back as I can remember, including acne, hyperpigmentation, and dullness. I have very thick skin (literally, but definitely not metaphorically. I’m a sensitive flower. Please be nice to me or I may cry). This means my skin needs extra exfoliation. I also have what is suspected to be a mild form of hyperkeratosis, where the skin wants to thicken instead of shedding normally. Basically, my skin is just as high-maintenance and grumpy as me when I haven’t been fed in a while. #hangry Due to all of the above conditions, I had high hopes for the Hydrafacial. Even though everyone raved about it, I was worried that my sensitive + sensitized skin wouldn’t cooperate (if you don’t know what those terms mean, I’ll explain a bit later). I situated myself on the treatment table, feeling equal parts nervousness and excitement while Ed, the rep, got everything prepped and the rest of the staff attending gathered around me like I was the Mona Lisa, chattering excitedly. #nopressure First things first, let me outline the general technology of the Hydrafacial. You know when you go to the dentist, and they have all of those different tools that spray out water, and some suck out all the gross stuff, and some whirl around doing who-knows-what? The Hydrafacial is like that, but for the face. I feel like I’m not doing it justice through words, so I’ll include a picture below as well. This picture came up under Google photo results and it’s from Trip Advisor so I’m pretty sure I can repost it here, but if you see this picture and it’s yours…please don’t sue me. I’m only a lowly medical assistant, trying to make a difference in the world via skincare, you know? When you look at the picture below, you can see how it all hooks up and works. If you’re still confused…come see us for a treatment and we’ll show ya! The Hydrafacial works in in four steps, as follows: 1. The Cleansing & Exfoliation. I like to think of this as the basic sweep of all the “stuff” we accumulate on our face. This is just your skins introduction to the Hydrafacial. You’re getting everything cleaned off, and getting a little more exfoliation to give your skin a touch up. This felt a bit like I was getting microdermabrasion, but wetter. I could feel liquid coming out of the tip of the machine, as well as a gentle “scrubbing”, almost like a toothbrush. Also, PSA: there are different tips your practitioner can use according to your skin type, so this treatment is highly customizable! 2. The Peel. This is customizable as well, so it can be pretty intense if you want, or fairly gentle if you just want a mild solution used. The rep used the standard solution on me, which I believe was 7.5% glycolic, and normally I have a lot of stinging from peels (sensitive flower, remember?) but this felt like just the slightest tingling, and overall felt really nice. 3. THE EXTRACTIONS. Oh, my goodness. Y’all. I’m the type who loves to watch pimple-popping videos so I’m already kind of a weirdo about extractions, but as someone who gets blackheads really easily, this made me so happy. Instead of doing manual extractions, the tip turns into a wee little vacuum that sucks your pores clean. Every time I start complaining I stop myself because I remember this technology exists, and all I should be feeling is gratitude that someone came up with a “vortex-extraction nozzle”. GENIUS. 4. The Serum. This is the “infusion” and rehydration portion, where now that your pores have literally been sucked clean, the machine works to infuse your skin with good stuff instead. I asked Lori G., our magical esthetician who is trained in Hydrafacials and has given them for many years about this last step (during the treatment I was so filled with joy about the pore-sucking thing that I don’t really remember anything beyond that). She said that the practitioner can also apply a moisturizer at this step to really help seal in all of the hydration. So, there you have it. Those are the four basic steps! Well. Let me tell you. WHAT a cocktail. All of those steps culminated in glowing, hydrated, shimmery, baby-butt-soft skin. Everyone who witnessed this was freaking out a bit, especially because it was such a rapid transformation. My forehead in particular has always had texture issues, but suddenly it was smooth and shiny. However, I will include that after the third step, my skin was a little red and irritated, just because my skin gets red and irritated at virtually anything and everything. Ed (the rep performing the treatment) used some LED light (both red and blue, and you should know what those do if you read my post on LED light!) and my skin calmed down immediately. If you have particularly sensitive and/or sensitized skin I recommend this step. I’ll probably talk about this another time, but if you don’t know: sensitive=you’re born with easily irritated skin, sensitized=the environment is bothering your skin & making it reactive. Either way, LED light is a great choice. In terms of upkeep, if you have particularly acne-prone skin, I’ve heard it recommended that you should receive treatments every two weeks until your skin is balanced, and then move to every 4-6 weeks. Everyone else should just jump straight to a 4-6 week treatment plan since this is generally enough to treat milder issues. The Hydrafacial also has other treatment add-ons, like one for the eyes and lips (those include take-home products, wheee). These are customizable, so as always, chat with your practitioner about what treatment options you have! For those of you in the area, we’re expecting the Hydrafacial to be open for appointments mid-to-late May. My hope is that you’re now super-duper excited to get your glow on with the Hydrafacial, but have patience! Good things take time, and before you know it you’ll be booking your appointment. In the meantime, if you have any questions, reach out to us on our Instagram (mine or Infinity’s) or call our office at (707) 652-2928! Stay glowing, ladies! Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! This article was originally published on www.RozeCollective.com. The author has given full permission for it to be republished on our website, www.InfinityWellnessSpa.com

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AFTERCARE Fun fact: did you think dermal fillers were a new trend, spurred by the Kardashian/Jenners? Think again. Austrian surgeon Robert Gersuny started using mineral oil and paraffin as dermal fillers in the late 1800s. However, after Gladys Deacon, Duchess of Marlborough (pictured below), received an injection of hot paraffin wax to the nose, she was permanently disfigured and this ended the trend. That is, until now. Dermal fillers were the second most common nonsurgical procedure in 2015, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, with almost 2.5 million procedures performed. So all of the fun and scary stuff is out of the way–you’ve had your filler injected, hopefully gotten the results you wanted, and now you’re home free! Not quite. Filler gives you results in real time, unlike Botox, which takes about a week or so to kick in. This is why I love filler so much, because I am 100% here for instant gratification. However, it’s important to know how to take care of your filler after the fact, so it stays in tip-top shape. Rule #1: DON’T mess with your filler. Yes, you. I don’t know who you are. I don’t know what you want (probably free Botox, don’t we all? but anyways). If you are looking for free syringes of filler, I can tell you I don’t have them. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career (ok it hasn’t been that long but still). Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you stop touching your filler now, that’ll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don’t, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will scold you. Ok but Liam Neeson jokes aside, Stop. Touching. Your. Filler. You just had a needle poked in those spots! Leave it alone, until you wash you face (gently) and then continue to leave it alone. Think of filler as a Jello mold. Even after it’s been injected, it needs time to “set”. Some of y’all are up in here massaging your freshly injected cheeks because you can feel the Voluma and it “feels so weird”. What’s even weirder is that you’re risking smooshing your fresh new cheekbones down because you’re having an obsessive I-wanna-touch-it episode. I get it, I really do. I recommend passing the time by channeling your energy into taking some fly selfies instead. Also, don’t forget–if you get your injections done at Infinity, and then send a selfie in to us, you get $20 off your next treatment! Rule #2: DO try to sleep on your back. As a chronic side sleeper, I know this is a terrible thing to ask some people. My tip is to put two pillows on either side of your body, snuggled close, with your arms resting on top. This keeps you on your back throughout the night. My chiropractor recommended this to me, so not only is it good for your back, it’s good for your filler! No smooshed cheeks for you. If you do roll onto your side sometime in the middle of the night, it’s not the end of the world, so don’t panic. Just do your best! Rule #3: DON’T over-ice. Ice intermittently, if it feels good, but don’t overdo it. My general rule is 10-seconds-on, 10-seconds-off, for about five minutes, every hour. You don’t want to irritate the skin and stop circulation in that region. Although icing helps with bruising (we’ll get to that in a sec) your body also needs to heal, and by over-icing you can stop that natural response. Rule #4: DO apply topical anti-inflammatories. I recommend applying arnica as often as you want. Personally, I recommend the cream. The ointment version is super thick, and the gel version is particularly drying on skin, from what I’ve found. You can buy packs online (they have them on Amazon and I’m sure a million other places, just do a Google search) and you can also go to a Walgreens, CVS, etc, and find it there. I also recommend orally taking arnica, taking the tablets seems to really help people when combined with the topical version. #doublewhammy Rule #5: DO take an over-the-counter anti-histamine if needed. Zyrtec and Claritin are great, or even Benadryl, except Benadryl will make you sleepy, so be careful with that one. These all help with the swelling, if you feel like you need/want it. Rule #6: DO hydrate & moisturize. Use serums to help replenish you skin, as it gets especially dry from the topical numbing, the lidocaine mixed in with the filler, and whatever topical antiseptic we use to clean your skin pre-injections. Also apply plenty of moisturizing lip products if you’ve had your lips done–they get particularly dry and peel quite a bit. If you’ve had your lips done, try to avoid long-lasting lip stains and matte liquid lipstick, etc–anything that tends to dry out your lips. I recommend the Lira Clinical BIO Lip Factor, as it’s easy to carry around and apply, and even though it’s definitely a moisturizing, clinical product, it really just looks like a nice clear gloss. Rule #7: DO expect bruises, and plan accordingly. We had one particularly outspoken and blunt patient who said, “if people do this and don’t expect any bruises, they’re crazy.” I tend to agree. Every practitioner tries to be as gentle as possible, but need I remind you: this is a needle, going in your face. You may bruise. Remember to avoid blood thinners (Advil, fish oil, alcohol) 1-2 weeks before and a few days after. You should also avoid crazy exercise 24-48 hours after. For most people this isn’t a problem (me), but if you’re Rambo reincarnated and literally have to exercise every day or you’ll start bench pressing cars, then it’s ok to go on some brisk walks. Just don’t do any of the crazy circuit stuff where you’re doing burpees and throwing tires around. As for covering bruises, use this handy dandy chart I created below: Red bruises (early stages): use a green-tinted concealer. Dab dab dab. Then let it dry, and apply your normal foundation or BB cream or whatnot on top. Blue/purple bruises (middle stages): use a yellow-tinted concealer. Dab dab dab. Then let it dry and apply your normal foundation or BB cream or whatnot on top. Pro tip: applying red lipstick (with warm, orange undertones–never a cool burgundy) will cover purple-blue bruises in a pinch (no pun intended), but it takes more effort to cover it with your skin-tone product, so plan accordingly. So: for the lips, apply your lipstick and bam you’re done. For other areas of the face: cover the bruise with a light layer of lipstick, and then layer on a skin-tone concealer or foundation/etc. Yellow/brown bruises (late stages): I tend to find that these bruises are covered by whatever normal skin-tone product you use. So apply your foundation or BB cream, and then–you guessed it–dab dab dab a little extra on the bruise. Rule #8: DON’T fret and worry about your filler. Sometimes it takes a little bit to settle in. Give it a week. Call the clinic you went to if you have any problems or questions, but remember that the swelling needs to go down before you can actually see your results. Also remember that filler can be dissolved, and you can always come in for a touch up if there’s some asymmetry. So, simply put: breathe! Just take care of your filler following all of the post-care instructions I gave, let everything settle down, and enjoy! Much love, Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi!

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WHAT TO EXPECT Fun fact: your lips are approximately 100 times more sensitive than your fingertips, and, just like your fingertips, everyone’s “lip print” is completely unique. It’s just like your mama always said: you’re special! So if you’ll recall, last time we left off with #lipfillers we talked about what happens right before your treatment. This post is dedicated to what actually happens once you get started (wheee!). Before we get into the cupid’s bow of it all, let’s review: 1. Understand your budget for filler. 2. Understand what you want and don’t want from your lip filler. 3. Find a reputable practice, with good reviews, & legitimate before/after photos. 4. Keep an open mind about what practitioner is right for you. It’s ok to do a few consultations before you decide. 5. Once you’ve decided on the clinic/practitioner, schedule your appointment at a good time–far out from any events or social obligations you may have. 6. For about 1-2 weeks out, avoid blood thinners such as Ibuprofen and fish oil (with the ok from your doc) 7. Avoid alcohol for a few days before your appointment (and after, but we’ll get to that). So let’s say you’ve made your appointment, and today is the day. Woohoo! This is the best part. Let’s walk through what happens. First things first, you’ll check in with the front desk. Make sure you’re on time. If you’re running behind, that usually means it’s going to cut into your appointment. We want you to have as much time as possible, so please show up on time! Most importantly, if you’re on time, then… …you have plenty of time to numb. We apply a prescription strength topical numbing cream that, in my humble opinion, almost works a little too well. Case in point: I had a skin resurfacing treatment yesterday where my entire face was numbed, and it lasted all the way into that evening. Still, this is preferable to no numbing at all! If you’re coming to an appointment at Infinity (yay!) I’ll most likely be the one numbing you. I give all of the clients a gauze to dab at the numbing as needed, and I always tell them–don’t get the numbing on your tongue! It won’t hurt you, but it is an extremely weird sensation that makes talking the rest of the day a little tricky. We normally let numbing sit for 15-30 minutes. When I had my lips done I kept the numbing on for 40 minutes because I am spectacularly wimpy. However, because of that, my treatment was very comfortable. If you want to numb for a long time, check with the front desk when you make your appointment and see how early you can arrive to numb. While you’re numbing, just chill. Keep your heart rate low, y’all. You want to get as zen as possible so that way the procedure goes nice and smooth. I recommend going on Instagram and looking at pictures of before/after lip filler to keep your motivation high. I also recommend listening to some boppy music (if it’s not already being played over the speakers) to help keep your mood nice and light. Some notes on anxiety: if you are needle phobic to any degree, and/or think you might faint/throw up during the treatment, let the practitioner and/or assistant know ASAP. I can deal with needle phobes, having been one myself. I will have smelling salts, juice boxes, and squeezy balls ready for you. I will also talk you through breathing exercises and/or babble nonstop to distract you (unfortunately, this is too easy for me to do). BUT, if I don’t know that you’re terrified of the needle, I can’t prep. Just let us know ahead of time and we will make it a great experience for you. Once you’ve been marinating in the numbing cream for a solid amount of time, it’ll be cleaned off. I usually use alcohol to get the first, sticky layer of numbing off. Then I use Hibiclens (a skin cleanser and antiseptic) and pass over the area a few times to make sure it’s completely clean. PSA: don’t come into your appointment with a ton of lip product on. We can remove it, but it takes time and more importantly, I think it’s uncomfortable to have your lips scrubbed at that much. If you’re getting a “V” product (Volbella, Vollure, etc) I’ll also use something called Vionex to clean you off pre-treatment. This is usually where the injector starts, well, injecting! Make sure to keep breathing. I see a lot of people stop breathing because they get nervous, or they feel like they can’t move at all as soon as the needle is in. Not true! Keep breathing. As soon as the needle is out for a moment or two, take a few deep belly breaths. I also find that it helps to have your feet planted on the treatment table, knees tucked towards your chest. It keeps you more grounded and feeling in control. During the treatment, I use something called a Vibrata on our patients. It’s a vibrating device that confuses your brain and essentially distracts you from the sensation of the needle. If you’re the flinchy type, I recommend asking for a squeezy ball. Any energy you have towards flinching away, you can instead redirect into squeezing the ball. Storytime: we had a client come in who was honestly a modern-day Amazon warrior woman, but relatively afraid of needles despite her rippling muscles. She was getting her lips done, and even after numbing she was still pretty nervous. I’m standing at attention, on her right side, and I’m ready with a gauze and the Vibrata in my left hand, my right hand free. So I’m standing there, ready to go, and the injector comes around to the side of the treatment table. I see this woman’s eyes widen and start to become crazy eyes as she looks at the needle (always a bad idea–never look directly at the needle. It’s like the giant snake from Harry Potter 2, it will paralyze you). So I’m thinking, oh boy, here we go, and she suddenly turns to me and goes “can I hold your hand?”. My heart warms and I think “Aww, I love my job, how cute.” To her I go “Of course! Squeeze as tight as you need.” Friends. The PAIN. I swear she ground my bones to dust, just a little. But because of who I am as a person, I didn’t say anything until the injector was done on that side. I’m just standing there, tears welling in my eyes, my nerves firing off in pain. So finally she releases my hand, seemingly intact. As the injector goes to change the needle, and I stand there, dabbing at her face with one hand, subtly flexing the other hand as I try to ascertain whether or not I’ve sustained actual damage, she turns to me. “Sorry,” she says, “I’m a power lifter. I hope I didn’t squeeze too hard!” Since then, I give out squeezy balls like they’re candy. After your injector has done their first round of pokes, they’ll probably stop and check in with you so you can see how your lips look. I highly recommend actually looking. It freaks some people out when they see blood, but on the flipside, you took the time and effort to get to this point–don’t you want to get what you came for? Some things to keep in mind are: 1) Your lips will be most swollen after the treatment, for up to 48 hours or so, and then will go down. If you like your lips during & immediately after the treatment, you need more filler. I loved my lips best about 12 hours post-treatment, when they were super swollen, and then as soon as they started to go down I was a sad. 2) If you’re having the opposite problem, where your lips look and feel huge, give it a while. The numbing causes a teeny bit of swelling, and makes them feel bigger than they are, and like I said, if you think they’re too big during & for a day or two after your treatment, they’ll most likely be the perfect size within a week or two. Once you and your injector have both agreed that you’ve gotten your lips to where you want them to be (for the time-being), we’ll probably ice you lips a bit to help ward off any bruising. We’ll also apply arnica cream, and some lip treatment, both of which help with the healing process. At this point, you’re all done! What a journey, right? Who knew there was so much to something as simple as a lil’ lip plumping? One of the most important parts of getting filler (lips or otherwise) is the aftercare. That post will be published pretty soon, so check back to see all of my tips for how to heal quickly and easily! Stay pouty, Layla Raz Reach out if you have questions using the contact form located on the home page. Questions & suggestions are always welcome. While you’re at it, check out my Instagram for more fun tips & tricks, and to say hi! #lipfiller #injections #squeezyballs

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