Blog

After several years of steadily growing popularity, we see a new trend developing – Botox micro-dosing. The primary objective is to prioritize natural-looking results, while avoiding the telltale “frozen” look that can accompany over-reliance on Botox.

What Is Botox Micro-Dosing?

Micro-dosing cosmetic injections involve injecting very small, precisely calibrated amounts of the injectable, such as Botox, as little as 0.1 to 0.5 units, into the areas being treated. While traditional Botox treatments typically use higher doses to relax deeper wrinkles, micro-dosing relies on the expertise of the practitioner to subtly soften lines, minimize any facial asymmetry, or gently lift the eyebrows or tweak one’s jawline, while preserving the ability to express emotions using the full range of natural facial expressions.

“Less is More”

The focus on reduced use of Botox injections reflects a philosophical approach that can be applied to many non-invasive cosmetic procedures. It is particularly appropriate when Botox is applied preventatively, as opposed to correctively. We see growing numbers of younger patients who opt for this proactive use of Botox when in their 20s and 30s, while their complexions are largely free of age-related lines and wrinkles.

Using Botox proactively can help prevent the formation of deep lines later in life. Potentially overactive muscles can be relaxed before they have a chance to cause permanent wrinkles to develop.

Uncommon Skill is Required

However attractive the idea of preventative Botox may be, it should be stressed that being able to apply micro-doses strategically to achieve subtle results while maintaining a naturalistic appearance requires an extraordinary amount of skill by the practitioner. This is typically only achieved after many years of experience.

These are not commonplace skills, but are only found in highly sophisticated practitioners, who would need to combine exceptional medical, anatomic, and physiological knowledge with a very highly developed aesthetic vision.

Primary Benefits of Micro-Dosing Botox Treatments

The key benefits of careful micro-dosing are its ability to deliver understated, harmonious, and natural results. It aims to preserve natural facial expressiveness, including the ability to smile, frown, raise one’s eyebrows, etc. Unfortunately, this is not always the case when a Botox injection is applied more crudely by inexperienced practitioners.

Micro-dosing can also help improve the results achieved by many common uses of Botox, including eyebrow lifting, jawline refinement, neck smoothing, and lip flips. As a main objective is to maintain natural-looking results, your practitioner may well recommend erring on the side of caution.

Your particular facial structure and musculature will also strongly influence the range of improvements that are achievable. Micro-dosing implies adopting a highly personalized approach to Botox application; trying to apply Botox according to a predefined strategy would not lead to the same results for all patients. For this reason, you should search for a suitable qualified practitioner who is also willing to take the time to understand your particular situation and needs.

Learn More About Which Cosmetic Treatment is Right for You

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified with extensive experience in administering Botox, and in tailoring treatments according to each patient’s needs, including the use of micro-doses when appropriate. We invite you to contact us for more information on any of the above cosmetic treatment options. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures, and can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

As you might expect, research into expanding the use of Botox into new areas has been ongoing since it was first used for cosmetic purposes back in the early 1990s. Likewise, considerable effort has been invested in improving its outcomes, and in ensuring that optimum results are achieved consistently.

As cosmetic injection trends evolve, 2025 is expected to bring several new and promising Botox treatment options.

Shorter-Lasting Botox Cosmetic Injection Now Available

A new short-lasting Botox variant is currently pending FDA approval. In contrast to the traditional Botox formulation currently in use, TrenibotE is both faster-acting and shorter-lasting.

Traditional Botox injections last between 3 and 6 months, while TrenibotE treatments will last from 1 to 2 months. They also start taking effect as soon as 24-48 hours after treatment, compared to between 3 and 7 days for traditional Botox.

The new formulation will provide a lower-risk treatment option for patients who don’t wish to make a long-term commitment to Botox’s cosmetic or therapeutic effects. You’ll be able to test the results of Botox treatment without long-term effects or use it to obtain temporary improvements for events like weddings.

Therapeutic Advances in Botox Injection Formulas

A new Botox variant, ABP-450 (also known as Jeuveau), was recently approved as an alternative treatment for certain nerve and muscle conditions. Ongoing research is exploring its potential for both cosmetic and therapeutic applications. ABP-450 may offer longer-lasting effects compared to traditional Botox.

Botox is also being increasingly used to reduce neuropathic pain and to relieve various jaw joint disorders (TMJD), providing a long-lasting, non-opioid pain solution.

FDA-Approved Treatment for Age-Related Neck Lines

The FDA recently approved Botox for use in treating vertical neck bands (known as platysma bands). This offers a new non-invasive treatment option to rejuvenate the appearance of the neck and jawline.

Preventative Botox Treatments for Younger Patients

Proactive use of Botox by patients in their 20s and 30s is currently experiencing rapid growth. Using Botox to prevent the future formation of lines and wrinkles is highly effective, and can be accomplished with lower doses of Botox than are traditionally used. This provides a treatment option that typically requires fewer visits and is therefore correspondingly cheaper, than the traditional use of Botox after lines and wrinkles have started to form.

Your Laser Skin Care Leads the Way in Injection Trends and Aesthetic Treatments

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified with extensive experience in administering Botox, and in adjusting treatments according to each patient’s needs. We invite you to contact us for more information on any of the above treatment options. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures and can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

Achieving clear, radiant skin is a common goal in skincare; there are many different ways to get there. Traditional facials, involving cleansing, steaming, and masking, serve as a reliable way to address superficial issues. However, IPL photofacials, ­using Intense Pulsed Light technology,­ present a very effective alternative, and offer some distinct advantages over conventional treatments. Here’s a closer look at what distinguishes IPL treatments.

Addressing Conditions Instead of Symptoms

A primary benefit of an IPL photofacial is their ability to address underlying skin conditions rather than just treating visible symptoms. Traditional facials are great at exfoliating dead skin and clearing pores, and can provide temporary improvements in appearance. In contrast, an IPL photofacial employs broad-spectrum light to penetrate deeper into the skin layers, targeting the root causes of issues such as hyperpigmentation, redness, and broken capillaries. This makes an IPL photofacial particularly effective for chronic concerns like sun damage or rosacea, conditions that traditional facials lack the ability to effectively address.

Durability of IPL Photofacial Results

Traditional facials can deliver immediate softness and hydration improvements, but these benefits often fade within days, requiring frequent follow-ups. An IPL photofacial, by treating underlying problems, produces outcomes that endure for months. While an initial series of 3–5 sessions may be required, the reduced need for ongoing maintenance sets IPL photofacial treatments apart from the recurring appointments typical of traditional facials.

Efficiency of Professional Treatments

Traditional facials generally require hour-long sessions, while an IPL photofacial treatments can be completed in 20–30 minutes, depending on the area addressed. Post-treatment recovery is minimal, with slight redness subsiding within a day ­ significantly less disruptive than the downtime associated with chemical peels or abrasive skin treatments.

Personal Customization and Aesthetics

While traditional facials can be adjusted, perhaps by removing acne-related impurities or using hydrating masks for dryness, IPL’s light settings can be fine-tuned to precisely target specific conditions, such as age-related discoloration or uneven skin tone. This customized approach focuses on the cause of issues, and gives results not achievable using standard techniques.

Long-Term Benefits

A traditional facial enhances surface texture through hydration, but IPL’s light pulses encourage natural collagen production deep within the skin, improving skin firmness and reducing fine lines over longer timespans.

Selecting a Provider for Both Facials and IPL Photofacials

Despite the benefits, some individuals may not be good candidates for IPL photofacial treatments. Those with dark complexions need to be careful to avoid the risk of pigmentation changes. Selecting an experienced professional and medically qualified practitioner will allow you to minimize the risk of adverse effects, and maximize the potential benefits of improved skin texture.

Your Laser Skin Care: Your IPL Photofacial Los Angeles Provider

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and have extensive experience in administering IPL photofacials. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures and services, and can advise on how best to combine different procedures to achieve the very best and most cost-effective results. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

Botox is one of the most popular treatments for the management of fine lines and wrinkles. This neuromodulator, made of botulinum toxin, has become a household name. Because of its familiarity, people assume that anyone can have Botox. That assumption has led to one troubling trend: Botox parties.

A Botox party sounds like a fun social event that allows you to get anti-aging care while chatting with friends and drinking a glass of wine, but they’re not as safe as you might think. Let’s take a closer look at what Botox is and why parties offering these injections could be a bad idea.

Botox: Understanding the Famous Neuromodulator

Botox is an injectable neuromodulator that temporarily interrupts the signals your brain sends to your muscles, telling them to contract. Injections of Botox help diminish the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, which form when you smile, frown, or make other expressions.

Until your late 20s, your body makes a substantial amount of collagen and elastin, which are proteins that allow your skin to remain flexible, firm, and hydrated. As you enter your late 20s, however, the production of these proteins decreases, leading to skin that can’t bounce back into place as it used to. Over time, this results in fine lines and wrinkles.

By targeting and softening the muscles that create these wrinkles, Botox allows you to achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance. If you receive injections regularly, the substance can even train the targeted muscles not to contract as forcefully, helping to prevent the development of further wrinkles.

What Are Botox Parties?

A Botox party is a social event that takes place at a private home, a salon, or another location. People host these parties to allow multiple guests to receive Botox injections in a more comfortable environment than a medical setting or clinic.

The appeal of socializing while receiving treatment is enough to convince many people to try Botox for the first time. Another draw of these events is that the injections are often available at a discount. However, there are a number of dangers associated with a Botox home party.

The Risks of a Botox Party

Botox parties promise a lot of benefits, but they also come with risks.

Toxins and Hazards in the Environment

A Botox party can occur in any location, from a home to a beauty salon. These are not a sterile environment that offer the kind of cleanliness you would receive at a clinic or medspa. There could be pet hairs and all manner of bacteria in the air, putting you at risk of developing an infection.

Along with these conditions, there is another risk: The providers of the injections may not take the time to wear gloves or wash their hands after every Botox administration. That, too, can lead to infections and cross-contamination.

Lack of Medical Assistance

Although Botox is FDA-approved and considered safe when applied by medical professionals, it can cause allergic reactions in rare cases. Clinics have legal protocols in place to address any adverse side effects, but that may not be the case if you receive the injections at a Botox party.

An injector at a Botox party might not gather your medical history to see if you could be allergic to the toxin. They might not ask you if you take medications that could complicate the procedure. This puts you at a higher risk of developing side effects.

When you receive Botox at a medical facility, you have immediate access to care. At a Botox party, the only option you may have is to call emergency services.

Inexperienced and Unqualified Providers

Getting the results you want from Botox injections requires going to a skilled and qualified provider. Furthermore, your provider should take the time to discuss the specific results you want and offer you multiple options for treatment.

That may not be what you’ll get at a Botox party. Instead, an unqualified provider with little experience in cosmetic treatments could be administering the injections.

Their inexperience and lack of training could mean that you end up with an unnatural or frozen appearance. Or the provider might administer too much Botox, which could cause the toxin to spread to other areas of your face. It’s much more difficult to obtain quality results if you’re not getting care at a clinic.

Potentially Impure Products

When you receive Botox from a clinic, you know that it comes from a vetted and trusted source. At a Botox party, the products could come from anywhere. Less reputable providers could even use counterfeit injections or expired products. You won’t know what is being injected into your face.

Impure Botox can easily result in adverse side effects while also making the outcome less predictable. If the toxin has been diluted, for example, the results could last for a shorter time than you expect.

Alcohol Consumption

When you prepare to receive Botox injections at a clinic, your provider will likely warn you to avoid drinking alcohol for a few days before and after the injections. Alcohol can increase the risk of swelling and bruising, and it can make the healing process longer.

At Botox parties, wine and other alcoholic beverages are typically flowing freely. Not only does drinking impact your decision-making, potentially leading you to get more injections than you would choose when sober, but it can also mean significant bruising.

Hard to Reproduce Results

When you get cosmetic injections at a clinic, your provider will carefully record the exact location of the injections and how much Botox you received. You can then expect the same results the next time you go in for treatment.

At a Botox party, providers typically don’t maintain such thorough records. Even if you get results that you’re happy with, it can be very difficult to reproduce them.

Trusting Experienced Botox Providers

Botox injections can give you the chance to look younger, but only if they’re administered by professionals in a sanitary and controlled environment. At Your Laser Skin Care, we offer the expertise you deserve. Contact our team to schedule a consultation.

Botox is a popular and highly effective treatment for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there is the chance that results that may not meet expectations. We see some patients who were treated by inexperienced or untrained practitioners, and have been left with less-than-optimal results. The good news is that most Botox complications are temporary and can often be corrected. This blog will explore commonly encountered unwanted outcomes and the best ways to address them.

Common Unwanted Results from Botox

Uneven or Asymmetrical Results

Sometimes, one side of the face may respond differently to Botox, leading to slight asymmetry. This can happen if injections are not placed symmetrically or if individual muscles react differently to the treatment.

Drooping Eyelids (Ptosis)

Eyelid drooping occurs when Botox diffuses into muscles responsible for eyelid elevation, weakening them. This can happen if injections are placed too close to the muscles that lift the upper eyelids.

Frozen or Expressionless Appearance

Over-treatment in certain areas, especially the forehead, can create a “frozen” look where natural facial expressions are limited. This effect may cause some people to feel that they’ve lost the ability to display emotions naturally.

Unnatural Eyebrows or Forehead Droop

Injections placed too low on the forehead or around the eyebrows can lead to a droopy appearance, making the individual look tired or less alert than intended.

Botox can also create an overly arched eyebrow, resulting in a “surprised” look due to uneven muscle relaxation across the forehead.

Steps to Correct Unwanted Botox Results

Be Patient

Botox’s effects are temporary, lasting three to six months. Minor issues often improve on their own as the Botox gradually wears off. Patience may be the best approach, especially for subtle asymmetries or mild stiffness.

Minor Botox Adjustments

For certain effects like asymmetry or an overly arched eyebrow, a skilled practitioner can perform minor corrective injections to balance out muscle activity. This often provides a subtle, natural enhancement and smoothes out unwanted exaggerated effects.

Eye Drops for Eyelid Drooping

Prescription eye drops can temporarily lift drooping eyelids by activating the muscles that raise the eyelids. This option may help offset the effects of Botox until they diminish naturally.

Preventing Unwanted Results

The best way to avoid unwanted Botox results is to select a skilled, experienced, and qualified practitioner to perform your procedure. Choosing a practitioner who is also a board certified doctor will further reduce any chance of unwanted or sub-optimal results. The same qualities are equally important if you’re looking for someone to correct undesired outcomes caused by another practitioner.

Knowing how best to apply or correct Botox requires a mix of artistic and medical skills. A knowledgeable practitioner will have a deep understanding of facial anatomy and have the experience necessary to achieve balanced, natural results.

Good communication skills are also essential for understanding your needs, answering your questions, and setting appropriate expectations. Sometimes, achieving the most natural-looking results may require balancing expectations against realistic outcomes.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and have extensive experience in administering Botox. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures and can advise on how best to mitigate unwanted results from prior treatments. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

Dermal fillers can be used to effectively address the effects of rapid weight loss, such as loss of facial volume, sagging skin, and a hollow or aged appearance caused by the reduction of fat deposits. But it’s also possible for rapid weight loss to have an effect on previously administered dermal fillers. This blog will discuss these potential effects.

Accelerated Breakdown of Fillers

Dermal fillers are gradually absorbed by the body, a process that can take between six months and a year or longer, depending on the type of filler used, the specific area being treated, and the patient’s metabolism.
Significant weight loss can accelerate this absorption process as fillers injected into areas with high-fat content (the cheeks or jawline) will break down more rapidly if surrounding fat cells are eliminated.

Fat cells provide support for the injected dermal filler product, and loss of this support may lead to changes in the way that volume is distributed in the face. This may result in the need to reapply dermal fillers more rapidly than normal.

Changes to Facial Proportions

Substantial weight loss can cause the overall proportions of the face to shift, which in turn can affect the appearance of dermal fillers. Fillers placed before weight loss may no longer appear balanced as the surrounding tissues shrink. For example, fillers placed in the cheeks might appear too prominent if surrounding fat is lost rapidly. This shift can create an uneven, exaggerated, or unnatural look, requiring adjustments.

Skin Elasticity and Fillers

Weight loss can lead to reduced skin elasticity, particularly if the weight loss occurs rapidly. As the skin sags, fillers that previously created a smooth, plump appearance may no longer sit correctly. In this context, the fillers can look uneven or may fail to provide the intended lifting effect. This is especially problematic when there is also significant loose skin, which might require more intensive procedures like skin tightening or lifting.

Potential for Asymmetry

When fat is lost unevenly across different parts of the face, pre-existing dermal fillers can exacerbate these asymmetries. Areas where fat loss is more pronounced may require additional filler, whereas other areas may not. For example, the temples or under-eye areas might experience more hollowing than the cheeks, creating a lopsided appearance unless corrected.

Individuals undergoing weight loss may need to consult with their practitioner to reassess and, if necessary, augment or adjust their dermal fillers to ensure that they continue to provide the desired facial adjustments while also maintaining a natural, balanced look. If your weight loss is extreme or unwanted, a medical professional should also be consulted to assess your overall medical condition.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and have extensive experience in administering dermal fillers. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures and can advise on the effects of rapid weight loss. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation.

Laser hair removal is a popular and cost-effective way to achieve long-term relief from unwanted hair. While the benefits are substantial, some people report experiencing discomfort during the procedure. Here’s a detailed look at how to make the process more comfortable to help you achieve the best results with minimal pain.

Understanding Laser Hair Removal and Its Sensation

Laser hair removal involves using highly concentrated light energy to heat hair follicles, destroying them to prevent future growth. The sensation during treatment is often compared to the snap of a rubber band against the skin. While some find this tolerable, others may experience more discomfort depending on their skin type, hair density, and the area being treated. Understanding the process can mentally prepare you for what to expect, reducing anxiety and perceived pain.

The Importance of Pre-treatment Preparation

Proper preparation not only improves the results achieved but can also help to reduce the potential for discomfort. The following steps are recommended before each treatment session:

• Wear sunscreen for several weeks before treatment to minimize skin tanning and increase the contrast between your skin color and hair follicles. This helps enhance the efficiency of the laser hair removal process.
• Shave the area 24 hours before a session to reduce the risk of burns and irritation. Shaving allows the laser to focus on individual hair follicles and not on any hair growth above.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand. Both are known to increase skin sensitivity by dehydrating the body. Help staying hydrated before treatment by drinking water.
• Taking over-the-counter pain relief medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen shortly beforehand can help to reduce discomfort during the procedure. Your practitioner may have more specific advice.

Numbing Creams Before Treatment

Practitioners typically apply lidocaine-based numbing creams shortly before sessions – these can help significantly in reducing discomfort and possible pain sensation for sensitive patients.

Cooling Techniques During Treatment

Many practitioners also make use of skin cooling devices during each laser treatment. These can consist of cool air directed onto the treated area, or sometimes the direct application of a cooling pad before, during, or immediately after each laser pulse. It’s also common to apply cold compresses after treatment. These techniques are generally considered very effective.

Post-Treatment Care for Reduced Irritation

To promote healing and reduce the chance of irritation or infection post-treatment, it’s wise to follow these steps:

• Apply aloe vera gel. This helps calm any redness or irritation and also has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Avoid hot showers and minimize direct sun exposure for at least 24 hours. Both can contribute to increased irritation and discomfort. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen as advised by your practitioner.
• Continue to apply moisturizer. Keeping skin hydrated is important to promote healing and minimize dryness, which in turn contributes to itching and general irritation. Avoid scratching your skin, too!

Contact Your Laser Skin Care Today

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and have extensive experience in performing laser hair removal. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.