Experience Matters
Don’t let just anyone touch that pout! Many vital arteries are located in and around the lip. In particular, the mucosa (wet part) of the lip is a land mine of vessels and arteries, only an experienced injector will be careful to avoid these hidden vessels. Some overzealous beginner and novice injectors like to tell patients that they can “pick their lip shape.” Well, that’s a lovely idea, but it’s not always possible. It’s hard to take tiny, almost non-existent lips and create “the Kylie.” Your lip shape is often predetermined by what you inherited. If you want to “change” your shape, be ready to commit to the process of multiple sessions over months.Beware the “Paris Lip”
I’ve recently seen a trend to inject lips in a vertical fashion with a goal to achieve a more exaggerated “flip”. This trend has been called the “Paris lip” or “tiger striping.” There are a few times this is indicated—specifically when treating upper lip lines—but often times this can result in uneven product placement, risk of blood vessel occlusion and excessive scar tissue formation. Scar tissue formation will forever affect how well filler sits in the lip.Botched lips? All is not lost.
Lumps and bumps happen for a variety of reasons. First, the product can build up around existing scar tissue (from biting the lip, previous braces, old injected product or trauma) creating large lumps. Second, bumps can occur when injectors are not experienced enough to evenly distribute the product. You’d be surprised how often, when I’m teaching, that I witness uneven amounts of filler being placed in the wrong layer of tissue! I’ve had the pleasure of “redoing lips” and it’s so satisfying to turn a bad job into a dream come true. Typically, a patient will come to me after having had too much filler injected in the wrong place by the wrong person. In these situations, I usually suggest that we start over! To reverse the damage, hyaluronidase, which is the antidote to many dermal fillers, will be injected and the patient will be asked to wait 2-4 weeks before refilling and reshaping. Here’s one of my before and after photos to show the art of correctly placed lip filler!
If you’re seeking the perfect pout you must be committed and patient. It may take multiple visits and multiple syringes to achieve your best result. Bottom line: treat your lips well, go to an experienced lip injector and know your limits!
Schedule your complimentary consultation today and get one step closer to your perfect pout!
The post How to salvage a bad lip job (or avoid one in the first place!) first appeared on Clarity Medical Aesthetics.
]]>In aesthetics, lasers are used to treat:
- Age spots (or brown spots)
- Acne
- Dull skin
- Excessive hair
- Fine lines
- Pore size
- Scars
- Sagging skin
- Skin tone and complexion
- Skin texture
- Wrinkles
- Vascular issues (spider veins and cherry angiomas)
The post What You Need to Know About Laser Treatments first appeared on Clarity Medical Aesthetics.
]]>DID YOU KNOW?
Kati Midgley, PA-C is recognized nationally as a professional clinical instructor of dermal fillers and toxins (such as BOTOX, Sculptra, Restylane, Perlane, Dysport and others), laser applications, sclerotherapy and platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Kati is also one of the first U.S. national instructors of the revolutionary PDO Thread Lift technique. Don’t skip the consultation I’ve treated thousands of patients and have heard every fear known to man. Your fears are not unfounded, so it’s crucial to find a medical aesthetics provider who not only has the skills, but who also has compassion. Before you book a procedure, “interview” providers to get a gauge on how they treat their clients. Do they make you feel heard or are they brushing off your fears? Are they taking the time to listen to your wants and needs or are they looking at the clock and rushing you out before you’ve finished talking? Trust your gut. If you feel comfortable and confident when talking with a provider, chances are you’ll feel comfortable and confident with your results, too. I understand that searching for a medical aesthetics provider can feel like a daunting task. But, with a little time and effort, you can feel confident that you’ve found the right provider. And then the question simply becomes…why didn’t you do this sooner? Request your complimentary consultation with Clarity today!The post How to choose the right medical aesthetics provider first appeared on Clarity Medical Aesthetics.
]]>As of November 3, 2023, Clarity will no longer be offering CoolSculpting. While we pride ourselves on offering the latest and most effective aesthetic treatments, our space at the Dollhouse is limited. This change will allow us to shift our focus entirely towards anti-aging and skin rejuvenation treatments for our patients. We appreciate your understanding. — Kati and the Clarity team
I’ve been getting a ton of questions about CoolSculpting, so I thought it was about time to answer some of your most pressing ones. We’re all too familiar with the fact that, regardless of exercise and healthy eating, we’re sometimes left with stubborn fat that just doesn’t go away. Yet surgery might feel too drastic or uncomfortable. In these cases, CoolSculpting may be a great option to remove that relentless fat for good. But is it the right option for you? Read on for the answers to your CoolSculpting FAQs.
Am I a good candidate for CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting works best on stubborn areas of “pinchable” fat that cannot be eliminated through diet or exercise. A Coolsculpting consultation with a member of our CoolSculpting Certified team will determine if you are an appropriate candidate. We NEVER CHARGE FOR OUR CONSULTATIONS. The most popular treatment areas include the abdomen, chin, love handles and inner and outer thighs. Ideal candidates are those who are close to their optimal weight and have healthy skin. It’s generally not the best procedure for large-scale weight loss.
What does it feel like? What can I expect?
Patients arrive at our Guilford, CT location dressed comfortably in sweats. A member of our Coolsculpting Certified staff will bring you into our relaxing treatment room. Your weight will be recorded and pictures taken for your treatment record. Next, the treatment area will be marked for placement of the Coolsculpting applicator device. There are several applicators each designed to fit different areas of the body. A cool gel pad will be placed over the markings, then the applicator is applied. You’ll feel a vacuum “sucking” – this is drawing your skin and fat cells as close as possible to the cooling mechanism. Once this is done the cooling begins. It’s an intense cool and then after about 2-5 minutes the area numbs and you just relax.
Is it safe?
CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared treatment technology that targets and freezes fat cells—surrounding tissue is not affected by the cold. The frozen fat cells die and your body eliminates them naturally. This is a non-invasive treatment, no scalpels, no needles or anesthesia needed. It’s safe and efficient at reducing problem areas without requiring surgery. Our entire Clarity staff have been CoolSculpting Certified by attending an intensive hands-on training at the Zeltiq Training Headquarters in Virginia.
What is the downtime with CoolSculpting?
None! After a CoolSculpting procedure you can leave our practice and work out. Some patients may see redness, experience some mild tenderness and minor swelling in the treatment area. Patients find it easy to plan a Coolsculpting procedure because there are sutures, no anesthesia, and patients can drive themselves to and from their treatment.
When can I expect results?
Some patients see results as early as three to four weeks after the procedure. It takes several months for your best results to appear. Results become more noticeable two or three months post-treatment and fat can continue to reduce up to four months after your procedure.
Will my results last?
We are all born with a certain number of fat cells. When a person gains weight each individual fat cell grows larger. When a person loses weight each fat cell shrinks. With Coolsculpting the number of fat cells in your body are being reduced. Once they are gone, they are gone for good. With healthy diet and exercise, CoolSculpting results should remain for a very long time!
The most frequently asked question is – how much does it cost?
This question really cannot be answered without a consultation. Everyone’s body is a different size and shape, therefore treatment plans will vary along with the fees. But I can say that the consultation is FREE, it only costs you about 30 minutes of your time.
The post CoolSculpting: You asked, we answered first appeared on Clarity Medical Aesthetics.
]]>Tighten, smooth, and lift without surgery!
Radio Frequency Facial Rejuvenation Aging is a natural part of life. Connecticut is the J.Crew of aesthetics. Most of my patients don’t even want to admit to themselves, let alone anyone else that they have had aesthetic treatments. I understand that, so I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest treatments. You asked for answers to crepey, sagging and wrinkled skin- without surgery! This was no easy task! Get ready to fool your friends and Mother Nature because Clarity Medical Aesthetics is taking aging gracefully to the next level with its newest non-surgical RF treatments. Here’s the Buzz on RF RF stands for radio frequency and you are going to want to tune in to hear all about this non-surgical technique that lifts, tightens and smooths the face and body. Radio frequency works by heating the deep layers of the skin to stimulate the formation of new collagen and improve skin’s elasticity for long-lasting improvements to its appearance. Radio frequency is not new to aesthetic medicine. However, each generation of an RF treatment device advances the technology to produce greater and longer lasting results. If you’ve tried radio frequency treatments in the past and didn’t get the result you desired, that does not mean it is not the right choice for you. It means you didn’t get the right treatment. Radio frequency delivered with the correct combination of treatments corrects aging skin without any significant downtime or recovery. Clarity welcomes the Inmode Radio Frequency Treatment platform to our practice. The results and reviews have both been positively fabulous. This system boasts a patient satisfaction rating of 96%! Inmode is one of the leading radio frequency platforms on the market today. It combines the most advanced radio frequency technology for multiple modalities including non-laser fractional skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, fat and cellulite reduction with long lasting results. Who is a Candidate for Radio Frequency Facial Rejuvenation? You are! Radio frequency is a fantastic alternative to other more invasive treatments, or an adjunct treatment to enhance your results. You are a candidate if… 1. You are not ready for a face-lift. Plenty of our patients are trying to avoid surgery at all cost, but they want to improve the appearance of their face and body. Radio frequency provides the perfect solution for non-surgically lifting and tightening the problem areas on the face like jowls and jawlines. It will also correct fine lines, wrinkles and sagging in the mid-face area. Radio frequency does not replace the need for volume and expectations need to be realistic, but in combination with fillers, Botox and good skin care products you might keep Mother Nature guessing for many years to come. 2. You’ve had a face-lift. Radio frequency treatments are ideal for maintaining the results of a face-lift for years. By stimulating the deep collagen fibers you keep the skin looking toned. Radio frequency also addresses the lip and chin area that a face-lift does not. 3. Your neck drives you crazy. Have you ever caught a glimpse in your phone when the camera is facing you? Does your neck skin make you want to scream? Radio frequency tightens and re-textures the “drapey and crepey” texture you see on neck tissue. For younger women it is an ideal preventative treatment.
The post Fool Mother Nature: Non-Invasive Radio Frequency Treatments first appeared on Clarity Medical Aesthetics.
]]>- Overbite: an overbite can cause exaggerated marionette lines, chin wrinkles and down-turned mouth.
- Gummy smile: excessive upper gums causes deeper, more pronounced laugh lines (nasolabial folds) and a deep crease under the nose.
- TMJ: temperomandibular joint, clenching and grinding can cause a widening of the lower jaw and wrinkles in the chin. It has also been the main culprit in cracked and worn teeth.
- Missing teeth: lost teeth, especially incisors (eye teeth) or molars can cause areas of dimpling or creasing of the overlying skin.
- Crooked teeth: prominent incisors or rotated front teeth cause the mouth to rest unevenly resulting in wrinkles, asymmetric smile or dimpling of the skin.
Overbite
Crooked teeth
Missing teeth
Gummy smile
I may not be a dentist, but I can commonly recognize dental issues without you ever opening your mouth. It is simple science – the surface layers mimic the foundation (in this case, teeth) layers.
How can I remedy the problem?
There are many ways for me to remedy the symptoms. commonly BOTOX or fillers, but to fix the problem a consult with a qualified cosmetic dentist is the long term solution. If you need a referral, or would like a complimentary assessment of how your smile is giving you wrinkles, just give me a call at (203) 903-1455. As usual, I am happy to help.
The post SHUT YOUR MOUTH! Are your teeth giving you wrinkles? first appeared on Clarity Medical Aesthetics.
]]>Combination Therapy – What is it?
Combination therapy quite simply involves using two or more anti-aging treatments to help treat the various signs of aging. There are many factors that contribute to the aging of your face. Often, loss of volume, lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, heavy jowls, sun spots and declining skin texture have different causes. Unfortunately, there is not one single treatment that can address all of these concerns. As an aesthetic professional, I have a variety of non-surgical treatment options at my disposal to correct nearly all of these signs of aging. The best results are achieved with combination therapy.What are the Combination Therapy treatment options?
- Dermal fillers – restore lost volume
- Neurotoxins – BOTOX®/Dysport®/Xeomin®, smooths lines caused by muscle motion
- Laser/IPL- lightens brown sun spots, repairs skin texture
- Radio Frequency – tighten lax skin
- PDO Thread Lift – lift sagging skin
- PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma therapy uses patients own blood to rejuvenate poor skin texture
- Mechanical Peels (micro-needling, derma-planing) – rejuvenates skin surface imperfections
- Chemical Peels – speeds skin cell turnover
- Medical Grade Skincare – daily maintenance to treat and protect skin
Why is Combination Therapy the Best Treatment?
Overall facial aging is the result of several different factors. First, loss of volume, supportive collagen, fat and bone loss occurs and will cause hollows and sagging skin. Second, years of muscle movement will cause wrinkles such as forehead lines, crows feet and the lines between your eyebrows or “11’s”. Lastly, environmental factors, hormone fluctuations, genetics and lifestyle (sun worshippers!) can result in hyper-pigmentation or brown sun spots, melasma (hormone-induced), and poor skin texture. When you examine the list, one treatment alone cannot correct all of these signs of aging. It’s a process of restoring a youthful balance from the inside out. See my patient below for an example. Meet Debbie
Debbie, age 64, came to us with a complaint I hear quite often: “I look tired”. She arrived in response to a treatment we were promoting called the “Liquid Facelift” (a combination therapy of spot dermal filler, long term filler and neuro-toxin (commonly known as BOTOX®/Dysport®/Xeomin®). Debbie has lost facial volume, under eye darkness, lines and wrinkles, sun spots, poor skin texture, and her lips were thinning. I knew a “Liquid Facelift” alone was not going to correct all of her concerns. This is where my job as an aesthetic professional turns into an art form. The art of combining the right non-surgical treatment therapies to restore a natural youthful balance to Debbie’s face.
Debbie’s Combination Therapy
Debbie’s Combination Therapy included the following:
- Bellafill® – a long term foundational dermal filler, I used to restore volume to cheeks and temples
- Belotero® – injected in tear trough under her eyes to ease dark circles
- Restylane SILK® – in her lips to restore volume and definition
- BOTOX® – to ease her “11’s”
- Micro-needling – to improve and rejuvenate her skin texture
- IPL – intense pulsed light to lighten up dark spots
- Chemical peels – to boost skin cell turnover and improve texture
- Medical grade skincare
She looks beautiful, natural, refreshed and no longer “tired”, Don’t you agree? If I had not included micro-needling, chemical peels and IPL in Debbie’s combination therapy her skin texture and sun spots would not have been treated and corrected, both of which contribute to an aging face. Debbie is quite pleased with her results.
What’s the right Combination Therapy for you?
What was right for Debbie may not be right for you. The art of medical aesthetics is combining treatment therapies to address the various signs of aging that are unique to each individual. Are you ready to receive your Combination Treatment Therapy? Call me at (203) 903-1455 to set up your complimentary consultation. Or visit us at www.claritymedicalaesthetics.com.The post Combination Therapy – Your Best Route to Turn Back the Clock first appeared on Clarity Medical Aesthetics.
]]>PDO Thread Lift - The Answer to Sagging Skin May be as Simple as a Needle and Thread
A PDO Thread Lift is a non-surgical alternative to a face lift. It is often referred to as the "lunch hour lift" because it can be performed within 60 minutes or less. This procedure is relatively simple, needles which are pre-loaded with PDO Thread (polydioxanone) are placed in a lattice type formation where the skin is sagging. Your body responds to the PDO Threads by producing new collagen (this is what the body loses as we age) around the threads. The threads dissolve over a period of 3-4 months and the new collagen produced lifts the skin. The results will differ with each individual, but the look achieved is natural giving a rejuvenated and refreshed look. There is minimal downtime and most people can resume their regular activities within a day or two.
What areas can be treated with a PDO Thread Lift?
- Neck
- Cheeks
- Jowls
- Brows
- Arms/elbows
- Knees
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- What is PDO Thread?
PDO or polydioxanone is absorbable suture material. It is similar to the type used in cardiac surgery.
Is PDO Thread Lift a new treatment therapy?
The answer is no, having just returned from the World Congress of Anti-Aging and Aesthetics in Monte Carlo, Monaco, we learned that the procedure has been performed routinely in Europe for years, but it is relatively new here in the US. It was all the rage there and new stronger threads are being developed. PDO Thread Lift was granted FDA clearance in October of 2015. Clarity is one of the first practices in Connecticut to offer this treatment to our patients. Our very own Kati Midgley, BSPT, MHS, PA-C was the first American to teach this procedure in the USA.
What are the advantages of a PDO Thread Lift?
The great thing about a PDO Thread Lift is that is offers a quick recovery together with excellent results. This is a non-surgical, minimally invasive technique that leaves no scarring! A local anesthetic is used to maximize comfort. If you are looking for a quick and effective solution to a range of aging problems then a PDO Thread Lift may be your perfect solution.
Who is the best candidate for a PDO Thread Lift?
A PDO Thread Lift is perfect for women and men with minimal to moderate sagging, lax skin. For more severe cases, PDO Thread Lift can be combined with other anti-aging treatment therapies such as laser rejuvenation, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and medical-grade skin care.
What are the risks of a PDO Thread Lift?
No anti-aging intervention is without risk, with PDO Thread Lift minor side effects such as bruising, swelling, tenderness, numbness, slight asymmetry and infection can occur.
What happens after the PDO Thread Lift?
Patients are sent home with aftercare instructions that include treating the area delicately, applying ice as needed, and avoiding strenuous exercise for 2-3 weeks. A moderate amount of bruising is common, so patients will want to plan the treatment in advance of any special events.
How long do PDO Thread Lift results last?
A PDO Thread Lift lasting power depends on a few factors - the age and condition of the skin, the patients lifestyle, and the amount of sagging skin. The treatment therapy will lift the skin, but "holding" it at the level of correction from 1-3 years. Patients must understand that this therapy will help turn back the clock, but it won't stop it. Additional PDO Thread treatments may be needed to maintain results.
Are you ready to see if a PDO Thread Lift is right for you?
At Clarity Medical Aesthetics, our consultations are free. We have a wealth of knowledge we want to share with our patients. The PDO Thread Lift technique requires skill, artistry, extreme dexterity and understanding of the anatomy of the skin. It is imperative that your practitioner is fully qualified. All PDO Thread Lifts are performed by Kati Midgley, owner of Clarity Medical Aesthetics, who studied the technique under two Italian plastic surgeons considered pioneers of the procedure in their country. Kati's skill in the procedure has been sought out by patients from New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Colorado and Florida! Call today for your free consultation (203) 903-1455 or visit www.clarityct.com
The post PDO Thread Lift – The Answer to Sagging Skin May Be a Needle and Thread first appeared on Clarity Medical Aesthetics.
]]>How do you choose the right injector for your beautiful face?
What makes the difference between a great beauty procedure and a not-so-great one? Your injector of course! Do you know how good your injector is? I’ll tell you a secret—we’re not all the same!
At Clarity Medical Aesthetics, we work tirelessly not only to educate you, but to further our own education. I’ve gone through countless courses and certifications to become a true expert and injectable specialist.
Finding the right injectable specialist starts with asking some tough questions. I have come up with a few questions and will use my own knowledge as a comparison.
What is their education? You’re too beautiful to put yourself in the hands of anyone but a fully educated aesthetic professional. I’m a graduate of Quinnipiac University’s Physician Assistant program where I have served as a clinical instructor. I also hold a master’s degree in Health Science and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University. I have been a medical professional for twenty years. This is important because it is an example of the importance of education. I feel strongly that education is the foundation of a positive experience.
What are they certified in? I am certified in:
- Dermal Fillers
- BOTOX®/Dysport
- Carboxitherapy
- Advanced Skin Care
- Sclerotherapy
- Ambulatory Phlembectomy
- Vascular Laser Therapy
- Laser Science
- Dermatologic Skin Evaluation
- Mesotherapy
- Lipodissolve
Another question to ask is how long have they been practicing? It’s hard to be an “expert” if you’ve only been doing injectables for two years.
I began working as a physician assistant in 2002. I have been in Aesthetic Medicine for 8 years and have been teaching aesthetic procedures for the last 7 of those 8 years. I have taught hundreds of medical professionals and am proud to be a sought after injectable specialist. I have been involved in founding two medical aesthetic centers prior to starting Clarity Medical Aesthetics.
How many of these specific treatments have the injector performed? Just because a med spa offers certain procedures, specifically advanced procedures such as Artefill, Sculptra or Juvederm Voluma, it is important to find out how long the provider has been performing these procedures. I am a trainer for Sculptra Aesthetic, was one of 75 people nationally invited to attend the Artefill Professnal Summit in Las Vegas this May (2014) and was one of the first ten providers in CT to trial Juvederm Voluma.
As always, if you have any questions please comment here or write to at [email protected].
The post Choosing the right injector first appeared on Clarity Medical Aesthetics.
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