Tell me more about GENIUS! Microneedling "on steroids!"

For many years I have touted the merit of microneedling for collagen induction—I mean really, who wouldn’t love smoother skin with more bounce?! After scouring the marketplace in search of the most efficient device, that is both cost effective as well as delivering on visible benefits with minimal down time, I have once again turned to Lutronic for their engineering prowess and portable platform that can meet the needs of my audience. I would love to welcome you to experience this incredible platform!

I personally have enjoyed the benefits of microneedling pens as well as Infini (the predecessor to Genius) and can tell you this device is truly incredible. The target group includes those hoping for skin tightening and acne scar reduction.

The Technology

So what makes RF microneedling so different? Well, microneedling is a process of creating controlled trauma using tiny needles to penetrate the dermal layer of skin where collagen formation is imperative. This small trauma is nearly invisible to the eye, but encourages cells within the skin to create a repair sequence “filling in” the tissues. Genius RF microneedling also creates microtrauma, but this time with a burst of thermal energy that truly “forces” (rather than simply encouraging) the fibroblasts to get to the work of repairing damage. So truly, you can consider this a more robust microneedling experience. Lutronic engineers have added smart technology that measures impedance of the skin and how much energy is being absorbed with each pulse, allowing us to adjust the energy being delivered as we treat, letting me know that I’m giving enough, but not too much! After all, you want amazing results, but not unnecessary discomfort.

The needle tips are some of the finest in the industry—Lutronic invested in a mill to create precision tips specifically for this device. The motor is also specialized with graceful and accurate insertion depth. The duration of RF pulse also enjoys precision. Ultimately all these individual factors meld, resulting in less pain and a more accurate treatment.

The Experience

How would I describe the treatment experience? Initially the face is cleansed and topical anesthesia is applied for about an hour. During this time you can enjoy flipping through a magazine, reading a book or getting caught up on social media. Old technology required heavy medication and the need for you to have a driver to pick you up after treatment, but with the Genius, truly you need a bit of acetaminophen, and can transport yourself! There is almost no bleeding with Genius, and recovery time is decreased. My personal course post Genius (with or without LaseMD) is initial pinkness and a bit blotchy day one, day two I can return to my usual tinted sunscreen the next day, and by the third I am back to normal. Those who are prone to acne may still have a rise in congestion several days after, but many do not. Rarely will someone report bruising.

The Results

Lutronic Genius should be considered for anyone hoping for skin tightening and lift or who suffer from acne scarring. Its target is the dermal layer of the skin, where the bounce lives. Paring this with Lutronic LaseMD also adds a brightening component by helping the epidermal shedding and neutralization of pigment irregularities such as sun damage and age spots. The result is a brilliant brightening and tightening that won’t leave your social calendar on hold!

But what about this talk of dermal fillers? What is that???

Dermal fillers may be recommended when creases and wrinkles are deep, or when there has been a natural volume loss in tissue; an unfortunate, but totally normal result of age related skin change. Wrinkle relaxation with neurotoxins works awesome with “animation” wrinkles, and can soften the appearance of some wrinkles at rest when used consistently. But other folds may remain and if they distract you, you might want to consider alternative treatment options--this is where fillers might come into play.

There are many brands and several types of particles used in dermal fillers currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And it's important to know fillers have both similarities to one another, as well as differences-- no one filler is perfect in all instances. Choosing the correct filler should be done by your injector, one who has experience in matching your goals and needs with the right product. As you can imagine--deeper folds might be better off with a thicker product, and areas around the mouth do better using one that has stretch. Fillers may be calcium based, poly-L-lactic acid, or even microspheres; but the most popular in use today are based of hyaluronic acid (HA) gel filler. Your skin has naturally occurring hyaluronic acid already, but as we age the level of this declines. HA is a key component to maintaining moisture in tissue and a great replacement for fluff. HA fillers are biodegradable and are non animal based products (so they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction than a collagen injection might). HA expands and attracts moisture when it is injected into the skin—giving a nice plumping effect from the inside. It serves to elevate fine lines and folds, making them less apparent.

Hyaluronic acid is broken down by hyaluronidase enzyme (also naturally found in skin) making this a semi permanent enhancement. The results typically last 6-12 months in most, longer in some people. I suspect you want to know if it hurts. Well, it is a needle in your face, but it’s a pretty darn small needle. Most clients tolerate the injections well, and most filers include lidocaine, which helps to numb the area during the injection. Of course all procedures have risks, fortunately the most common side effects are temporary and include local tenderness, bruising or swelling. Take comfort in cool packs and on occasion, medication.

So now you know, a little more!

HEY! Don't leave the Dudes out!!

So I just wanted to share a story, a blast from my pre-COVID-past, when participated in a FANTABULOUS educational session and had a very masculine male ask, “Do guys do Botox”? BUT OF COURSE! THANKS FOR ASKING!

Neurotoxin (Boxtox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau) works terrific for both men and women to temporarily relax wrinkles caused by years of smiling, laughing, frowning and worrying. Men’s muscles are generally stronger (yes men, you love being called virile and strong!) the number of units recommended for dosing is typically higher for men than for a ladies face, but the mechanism of action is the same. That is the only reason my pic for dosing is specifically labeled “common dosing for the female face”.

Do men really do Botox? HECK YES! Fact of the matter is, we live in a youth-based society. With social media and rampant photo sharing opportunities, people have become more aware of how they appear to others. And younger appearing folk are often regarded as happier, more talented, more charismatic and more confident. Men are now largely conscious of what it takes to care well for the skin (remember, skin is the largest organ you’ve got (ahem), and it protects you from many environmental insults – as far as I’m concerned, this makes it a top contender for a little extra effort!). No longer is it unmanly to pamper your integument!

How does it work? Well, neurotoxin is injected strategically into muscles of the face with an uber-tiny needle (you’ll feel a tiny prick, light pressure, and a sting for a second or two…then its gone!) It works by inhibiting a signal between nerve cells that trigger a muscle to contract, whereby relaxing the skin and softening the look of the wrinkle. The results generally last 3-4 months, less in some and longer in others. The old school of thought was to wait for wrinkles, then start treating—nowadays many elect to start treatments younger (late 20’s early 30’s) to reduce the deeper creasing in the dermal layers and delay wrinkle formation to a later stage of life.

Toxin can be charged by the unit or by the treatment area—depends on who you see. The number of units needed is dependent on the area of interest as well as how tight your muscles are, making it hard to generalize on price. Any reputable provider will offer a consultation and give you a range specifically for you (expect 200-500$....more if you want total “correction”). Injectors may be nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or physicians; the key is that they do it frequently, and that you trust them.

After an injection, you should start seeing results in 2-7 days, with full effect in 2 weeks. The impact should be subtle and natural, though some prefer no movement at all—to each his own! Of course you could be one of those people who talk down those who elect non-invasive aesthetic care; or you can embrace the fact that we have options. If you’re already exercising to look fit and attractive—you're already on the train! I mean really, there is nothing wrong with self-care and confidence!

Bottom line—sure real men do Botox! Give me a call and we can make a plan for you!