Your Botox, filler, and HydraFacial questions answered.

A short list of your goals (it's okay if you're not sure), any photos of prior treatment results if you have them, and a list of current medications and supplements. We'll send you a digital intake form 48 hours before your visit.

Most new-patient consultations are available within two weeks. Same-week appointments are sometimes available — call us at (858) 555-0142 for current availability.

For some treatments — like HydraFacial, IV therapy, and select chemical peels — yes. For injectables, we book a separate appointment for the actual treatment, typically within 7–14 days of the consultation. This gives you time to consider the plan and review the informed consent without pressure.

Roughly a third of our new patients are first-timers. We've built our consultation specifically for that audience — patient, unhurried, and oriented around education first. Many first-time patients leave their consultation with a plan that begins with skincare and a HydraFacial, with injectables introduced six to twelve months later.

Most patients return every 3–4 months for Botox. Dysport sometimes lasts slightly longer. Daxxify can last up to 6 months. The exact duration depends on the area treated, the dose, and your individual metabolism.

Not in this practice. Our default approach is a conservative initial dose that preserves natural movement. Patients who want a more dramatic result can request additional units at the two-week touch-up, but we always start lower and add as needed. A reversal is not always possible — a touch-up always is.

Most first-time filler patients begin with 1–2 syringes. A full mid-face restoration usually requires 3–5 syringes spaced over multiple sessions. Lip enhancement is typically half a syringe to one syringe. Your provider will recommend a specific plan at your consultation.

All hyaluronic acid fillers we use (Restylane, Juvéderm, RHA) are reversible with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. They typically last 6–18 months depending on the product and the area. Sculptra (a biostimulator) is non-reversible and lasts 18–24 months.

Modern fillers contain lidocaine. We apply topical numbing for 20 minutes before treatment and use a cannula (a blunt-tip instrument) where appropriate. Most patients describe it as a mild pressure sensation, not pain. Lip filler is the most sensitive area; we use additional dental block on request.

Botox results are visible at day 3–7, with full effect at day 14. Filler results are immediate but settle over 2–4 weeks as the product integrates. Sculptra builds gradually over 3–6 months.

Common, mild side effects include minor bruising, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site for 24–72 hours. Rare side effects include temporary eyelid heaviness with Botox (resolves in 2–6 weeks) or asymmetry that we correct at the touch-up. Serious side effects are extraordinarily rare in the hands of an experienced injector. We review full informed consent before treatment.

For maintenance and skin quality, 1–2 sessions per year. For post-acne scarring or significant texture, a series of three sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart, then annual maintenance.

For BBL and ablative resurfacing — no. We require at least 4 weeks of strict sun avoidance and daily SPF 50 before laser treatment. Schedule lasers for fall or winter; book HydraFacial or microneedling during summer.

BBL: minimal downtime. Brown spots darken for 3–7 days before flaking off; redness for 24 hours. Moxi: 2–4 days of bronzing and flaking. Halo (the more aggressive option): 5–7 days of social downtime with significant peeling.

Yes — for the right indications. It's particularly effective for post-acne scarring, fine lines, large pores, and overall skin texture. It's less helpful for deep wrinkles or volume loss; those are better addressed with injectables. Combining with PRP enhances results.

Our membership program. $185 per month includes a quarterly HydraFacial, preferred per-unit Botox pricing ($11.50/unit), priority booking, 10% off product, and a $50 birthday credit. There's no commitment beyond the first quarter; you can pause or cancel anytime after.

Most aesthetic treatments are not covered by insurance. We do provide HSA/FSA-eligible receipts for some treatments like hyperhidrosis Botox or migraine Botox; check with your plan administrator.

Botox is per-unit, filler is per-syringe, lasers are per-session, and skin treatments are per-protocol. We do not bundle "area" pricing because it incentivizes overtreatment. You pay for what you receive, and we provide a written estimate before any treatment.

Yes — for treatments that require a series (lasers, microneedling, CoolSculpting). A package of three HydraFacials is $660 (vs. $735). A series of three BBLs is $1,875 (vs. $2,025). We do not package injectables, since the unit count varies per visit.

Yes. We validate two hours of parking in the structure on the corner of Girard & Silverado, adjacent to our building. Free 90-minute street parking is also usually available on Girard Avenue and Wall Street.

Yes. Our second-floor studio is accessed via elevator. All treatment rooms are ADA-compliant. If you have specific accessibility needs, please call ahead and we'll prepare the appropriate room.

Yes — most patients prefer to come alone, but you are welcome to bring one support person. We ask that minors only be brought to consultations with prior arrangement.

Ten minutes early for new patients (to complete intake) and five minutes early for established patients. If you're running late, please text (858) 555-0149 so we can hold your room.

For coffee: Goldfinch or Brick & Bell. For lunch: Catania (Italian, rooftop), Cody's on Coast (lighter fare), or George's at the Cove (special occasion). For a walk: Coast Boulevard and Scripps Park. Our front desk is happy to make recommendations.

A $100 deposit is required to hold any treatment longer than 60 minutes (laser, microneedling, CoolSculpting). The deposit is applied to your treatment cost. New-patient consultations do not require a deposit.

Service is non-refundable once rendered. Product is exchangeable within 30 days if unopened. Membership pre-paid services follow the same policy. We aim to make this rarely necessary by setting expectations carefully at consultation.

All standardized photography is taken solely for your medical record and is HIPAA-protected. We do not share patient photos publicly unless you specifically opt in via a separate written release. Even then, we crop and anonymize.

Every post-treatment patient receives a direct number for our medical director. Concerns about swelling, asymmetry, or unusual sensation should be called in immediately — at any hour. For emergencies, go to the nearest ER and call us afterward.