WHAT LORI G. HAS TO SAY ABOUT SUNSCREEN & MORE Hi lovelies! Layla here. Normally I’m the one writing the blogs, but when it comes to skincare, I want the best of the best for y’all, so I asked Lori G., one of our amazing estheticians, about some things she wished people knew about skincare. These posts she wrote are going to be short, to-the-point, informative blogs that help you stay on track with your skin health and understand what’s really going on with sunscreen, facials, skincare products, you name it. This week, we’re combining two great topics for a double-whammy of info, just in time for your summer skincare needs. Enjoy! What Lori G. has to say on sunscreen, everyone’s must-have (and must-use!) product when it comes to the summer months: Bigger numbers are better than smaller numbers right? Wrong! At least it’s wrong when it comes to sunscreen. The standard formula for calculating what number SPF you should be using has been inconsistent at best. That causes many people to default to the highest number they can get, with the belief that higher SPF numbers are going to give them longer protection. An SPF 30 is generally sufficient. Those higher digits aren’t helping you out as much as you think. It seems reasonable that an SPF 50 will give you twice the protection of an SPF 25. But, let’s look at a few facts. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays (The Burning Ray). Higher SPF numbers do not deliver significantly more protection. Truthfully, the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. An SPF 15 sunscreen filters out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 sunscreens about 98%, and SPF 100 about 99%. You also want to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. No sunscreen protects you completely, so it’s important to re-apply at least once a day, fairer skin more often. Be liberal with the amount of product for each application. Apply sunscreen evenly every day, rain or shine. UVA is a silent and invisible ray, and it does penetrate through heavy cloud cover, non-tinted windshields, non-tinted eyeglasses, and is present in most fluorescent lights. So heads up…literally look up and see if your workplace or school is using fluorescent lights. Look for Physical sunscreen ingredients, specifically Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. These two physical ingredients are best for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Don’t forget UV sunglasses, floppy hats, and UV protective clothing for outdoor activities. Be aware that layering or mixing SPF products on top of one another can be misleading. For example if you have a moisturizer with an SPF 15 and, let’s say, a makeup product with an SPF 15, layering the two will not get you to an SPF 30. The two products will somewhat neutralize each other. To be safe, always choose at least an SPF 30. As a reminder, water-resistant does not equal waterproof. Water-resistant just means it doesn’t rinse away as quickly as traditional sunscreen. So if you’re sweating, or you’re in water, you have about 40 minutes before you should reapply. Be aware that environments with lots of water, including swimming pools, lakes, oceans, etc, and white surfaces such as white sand and snow intensify the ultraviolet that hits your skin. This accelerates the aging process, hyperpigmentation, and the possibility of certain skin cancers. So here is a concise list of do’s and don’t to practice all year: 1. Reapplication of sunscreen during the day is by far the best way to boost your sunscreen protection. 2. Use a Broad spectrum SPF to help protect from UVB and UVA rays. 3. Use at least an SPF 30. 4. Apply sunscreen liberally. 5. Do not neglect to use your sunscreen on an overcast or rainy day. 6. Utilize UV protective clothing, hats and sunglasses. 7. When possible limit long-term sun activity. 8. Physical SPF ingredients (Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide) are best for sensitive, and acne-prone skin. Sunscreen product manufacturers are able to formulate more sophisticated products than ever before, including lighter weight sunscreens for those who prefer an extremely sheer feel, and retractable powders that are ideal for those quick makeup and sunscreen touch-ups. New research and the launching of new ingredients is just beginning to address other ways skin can receive damage from sun and the our changing environment. The exciting thing is that we will continue to see formulations change as they incorporate new technologies to deliver more choices and more protection for consumers. And as consumers all we have to do is stay informed and BE CONSISTENT! For more personalized information about how the sun and environment may be uniquely affecting your skin, it’s best to schedule a consultation and analysis with an esthetician. What Lori G. has to say on The HydraFacial, a must-have treatment for glowing summer skin: I’ve been an esthetician for 34 years and from the beginning there have always been new treatments, devices and products. Some of of them have lasted the test of time, such as microdermabrasion, microcurrent, LED therapy, ultrasound, Retinol, peptides, stem cells, chemical peels, and massage therapies, such as manual lymphatic drainage and pressure point. Although these are considered to be of the most elite treatments, therapies, ingredients and modalities in skin care today, they are delivered as part of very different systems and compartmentalized in different facial treatments. From the perspective of your esthetician, the introduction of Hydrafacial is revolutionary, as it combines many different therapies. Here’s why I love this skin therapy system: 1) The Results Some modalities are considered back in technologies. This basically means that you have to wait for the results. Sometimes the wait is weeks or months. It’s very difficult for people to stay motivated during this wait time. The Hydrafacial therapy system delivers many immediate results. Deep pore cleansing, smoother texture through exfoliation, and the use hydroxy peels. This creates plump, moist, and very hydrated skin. 2) Time Consideration Hydrafacial is able to accomplish multiple results in 30 or 45 mins. Using smart technology considering skin types and conditions to deliver the most beneficial doses of specialized products for maximum results. 3) Extractions To be honest, I never thought I would see the day where a device could better accomplish extraction procedures over my manual extractions. I have 34 years of extraction experience and I have to concede that I cannot come close to the amount of extractions that this device is able to deliver. Furthermore, the Hydrafacial accomplishes these extractions pain-free! Although I consider myself to be gentle with extractions and effective, I have to throw in the towel here–I can’t compete with totally pain-free. It really makes me happy for my clients. 4) Congestion Removal Confirmation: I literally just made up that term myself. But this is possibly my favorite part of the HydraFacial. It comes at the end of the treatment when I can remove the plastic container that has been collecting the debris removed from the skin during the treatment, along with the many solutions used. My clients and I can observed their skin debris floating around in the used solutions, blackheads, and dead skin cells. Reactions to this sight from my clients are typically somewhere between disgust that all of those things were in/on their skin, but mostly, it’s relief that its all gone! The real reward is handing my clients the mirror following the HydraFacial and letting them see the incredible glow, the softness, the plumping and vitality that they often haven’t seen in many years. I often hear comments such as: I feel like my face had lost weight My face feels really light My face feels like it’s breathing for the first time This is what my skin looked like years ago Or, I’ve never seen my skin look this happy. I have to admit, that last one is my favorite.
Read MoreTHE 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
Read MoreWHY YOU SHOULD ADD IT TO YOUR NEXT FACIAL Fun fact: your skin contains over 11 miles of blood vessels, with the average adults skin weighing 20 pounds. In case you were wondering, that’s the weight of your average pug. I may be alone in this, but I feel like I’m in a constant battle with my skin. Either it’s dry, or I’m having a breakout that might be related to that dairy I just ate or maybe it’s hormones or maybe I’ve just been extra stressed recently? Etcetera. It seems like everyone falls into two groups: either they’re battling acne, or they’re battling wrinkles. I suppose the third group would be people who are genetically blessed with the face of an angel and have never experienced a pimple or wrinkle in their life, but I try to pretend those people don’t exist. So we don’t need to talk about them right now. Okay! Moving on. Whether you hail from the City of Zits, or the Town of Wrinkleton, both in the Province of I Don’t Wanna Look Like The Crypt Keeper, there is one device that will welcome you into its warm, colorful bosom: the LED light. “LED” sounds much more concise and sophisticated, but for educational purposes, and if you want to get techie, it stands for “light-emitting diode”. Not quite as sexy sounding, but that phrase in and of itself tells you what LED is–light. Basically, these bad boys (and girls #equality) convert electrical energy into light energy. Back in college I thought I wanted to be an engineer (spoiler: I didn’t) so I took a buttload of science classes where I was forced to memorize the electromagnetic spectrum and its corresponding wavelengths/etc. Right smack dab in the middle of this spectrum is visible light (on either side are things like microwaves and x-rays). Stay with me, because this is where it gets interesting: while we can only see visible light (duh) we can feel parts of the electromagnetic spectrum that are outside of our visibility. For example, infrared light. Now, you might be extremely confused at this point, but don’t worry, this all has a purpose. Infrared light has extremely therapeutic benefits and I highly recommend seeking out a spa or yoga studio that uses it. In some ways, though, infrared light is a bit of a misnomer. Infrared is right after “regular” red light on the electromagnetic spectrum, but it doesn’t actually have any color, it’s just light energy that feels warm but is completely invisible to the human eye. So, returning back to LED light–this light IS on the visible light spectrum, and because of that, it doesn’t penetrate as deeply into the skin, but works very effectively on the surface. And, in conclusion, this is what makes it a must-have addition for facials! I know it seems like a lot of effort to get to such a simple conclusion, but I’m not done yet. If you trust me and just want to go get some light therapy without reading any more, go you. But for those of you who are interested–read on! Returning to our main point: 1. Infrared light: we can’t see it, but it penetrates deeper into the skin (about 1.5 inches into the body) making it great for injuries, sore muscles, detoxing, etc. 2. LED light: we CAN see it, and it’s most active on the surface of the skin, making it perfect for aesthetic concerns like acne, hyper-pigmentation, and wrinkles. Let’s dive back into the science again. Take a peek at this handy-dandy graphic below: On one side we’ve got the Idyllic Indigo (blue/purple) and on the complete opposite end we’ve got Ravishing Red. Notice that Idyllic Indigo has the most energy–she’s the life of the party. But Ravishing Red has the longest wavelength–she’s got the best dance moves. Here’s why that’s important: longer wavelengths, as a general rule, penetrate the skin more deeply. But, don’t forget, Idyllic Indigo has tons of energy, being the life of the party. All of this energy means that blue light is perfect for killing bacteria i.e. eradicating acne. Wild, right? In case you’re wondering, that bolded text also happens to be the answer to an often-missed MCAT question, so if anyone reading this is pre-med…you’re welcome. For those of you not taking the MCAT, you just got a heavy dose of physics thrown at you, so if you want to go pour a glass of pinot, rest your brain, and then come back, I would highly approve. Moving forward (I swear that was the last of the science lesson), let’s talk about the actual uses for LED light. Red light: red light penetrates the deepest into the skin (p.s. I’m sorry I keep using the word “penetrate” but is there really another word??) which is what makes it great as an anti-aging tool, since anti-aging starts deep in the skin, by building up and strengthening your cellular structure. Blue light: blue light is our friend Idyllic Indigo who is chock-full of vibrant energy, ready to get the job done. This is what makes blue light perfect for slaying acne bacteria on the skin. Red AND blue light: whoa-ho-ho did you think this wasn’t an option? Because guess what, it is! Here’s what I didn’t tell you about red light: it targets oil glands to diminish cytokines (I don’t want to overwhelm you with more science, so let’s just call these Pimple Demons). Pimple Demons aren’t always bad (other forms of cytokines are great, actually) but the ones that become Pimple Demons are suuuuper inflammatory. Like, super super inflammatory. As we all know, inflammation=acne. So by using red and blue light combined, you’re reducing acne on both the surface of the skin, and on a cellular level! Woop woop. I’m hoping I’ve convinced you of the magic of LED light, and if I have, then you’re probably thinking, “Great! How do I get started?”. Well, buckle up buckaroos, because I’ll tell you how: go find a professional medical center or spa that offers it. I know all of the cool cats are buying those somewhat-freaky-looking LED masks for at-home use, and this is totally a-okay to do, but, to put it bluntly, they just don’t work the same. The at-home devices are not as potent as the in-office systems. The at-home systems are generally $100-$400, while in-office systems run closer to $1000. This should give you a pretty solid clue that the professional versions are much more effective. So while I don’t discourage anyone from buying a system to use at home, remember that it’s not a substitute for professional treatments. In case anyone is wondering what to expect from an LED treatment, it’s pretty simple: you’ll have some small goggles placed over your eyes (like the ones used for tanning), the light system placed over your face, and then you get to chill for 15-30 minutes. Sometimes the systems have a pulsing component which helps the light penetrate (sorry) more effectively, but it can bother some people, so if it does, make sure to let your esthetician know. I also find that that I feel a little dizzy after an LED treatment, so make sure you’re careful as you sit up. Make sure you also drink plenty of purified water post-treatment (although this is also a good rule for life in general) as light therapy promotes detoxification and it’s important to make sure you give your body a way to flush itself out. Happy Facial-ing, everybody! This was a science-heavy post, so let me know if you have any Q’s! 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
Read MoreEVERYTHING 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!
Read MoreWHAT 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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