Medical aesthetics is for those who wish to capture their natural beauty while simultaneously improving one’s overall health. Healthy skin is an outward sign of health inside the body. Retaining a youthful facial appearance as we age is fundamentally a result of achieving overall health and well-being within along with, perhaps, some cosmetic techniques. J. Helen Kwon, M.D. of Preventive Medicine Group can help you with both. Laura DeVincentis, N.D., L.Ac. can also help you with cosmetic acupuncture.

Like all of the physicians at Preventive Medicine Group, Dr. Kwon is a medical doctor who takes a nutritional approach in an alternative medical practice. Using diet as a foundation and nutritional supplements as therapeutic agents, Dr. Kwon works to improve the body’s natural self-repair and self-healing mechanisms. Immune enhancement, hormonal balance and detoxification are all also essential components of what she does with each individual to achieve and maintain optimum health and disease prevention. This is the natural foundation for healthy and beautiful skin. It is also the foundation for promoting natural healing for whatever other health condition a person may have.

Complementary alternative medicine leads into anti-aging medicine. As people are living longer, healthier lives, they want to maintain a youthful vitality in well-being and appearance as long as possible. For some people, this includes anti-aging skin techniques including the use of denervation (Botox) and fillers for cosmetic correction.

For other people, especially people who are not interested in botox or fillers but still want to do something to improve facial appearance or abdominal muscle toning, cosmetic acupuncture done by Dr. DeVincentis can be helpful.

What is cosmetic acupuncture? Full body treatments enhance the entire system’s healing and rejuvenating potential while focusing on the cosmetic aspect desired. We offer acupuncture facelifts and acupuncture abdominal toning. The theory underlying these cosmetic procedures is based on Oriental medicine principles that have been in existence for thousands of years. Acupuncture facelifts assist to reduce fine lines and make deeper lines appear softer. Dark circles, puffy eyes, double chin, sagging skin and drooping eyelids are minimized. The skin is toned and the circulation increased allowing more oxygen to nourish the face producing a natural glow and healthy appearing complexion. A study in The Journal of Clinical Acupuncture states that with cosmetic acupuncture 90% of clients show marked improvement in their facial appearance and experience an overall rejuvenation that is not confined to the face. In Acupuncture abdominal toning, acupuncture is used to lift the energy and tone the muscles in the abdominal region. After a course of treatment, it is possible to see a loss on average of 1 to 3 inches throughout the abdominal area. Common side effects include improved digestion and elimination, increased energy and improved quality of sleep. Cosmetic Acupuncture utilizes tiny, hair-thin, sterilized needles gently inserted superficially into appropriate regions of the face and abdomen. Two treatments per week for 5 continuous weeks are essential for both facelifts and abdominal toning. Results last for an average of 3 to 5 years. A follow up refresher treatment is recommended when needed for maintenance and continued benefit. A healthy lifestyle and diet are essential for skin health and can prolong the effects of cosmetic therapy. Dr. DeVincentis offers a free 15 minute consultation to see if cosmetic acupuncture is right for you!

What is Botox? How does it work? How long will effects last? Botox is Botulinum toxin. It stops wrinkles where they start by blocking the nerves that contract muscles so that wrinkles can’t form. It also softens existing wrinkles preventing them from becoming deeper. It is very helpful for crow’s feet, brow creases and marionette lines around the mouth. It may take 4 to 7 days for the benefits of the treatment to become fully evident. Benefits last three to six months on the average. It is possible that less may be needed over time to maintain effect. Botox is most effective on lines and creases that appear when you move your face, such as when you smile or frown. These lines and creases are dynamic and not yet “set.” In such instances, Botox can be considered a preventive treatment.

Is Botox safe? Are there side effects? Will it affect my ability to have natural facial expression? Botox is considered very safe. It has been used for medical purposes for two decades. In 2002, the FDA approved it for cosmetic use. The amounts used for cosmetic purposes are much less than the amounts used for medical purposes. Although not usual, it is possible that a person may experience temporary headache, bruising and/or pain at the site of injection. Bruising can be minimized or avoided by avoiding blood thinning agents such as aspirin for 7 days. The doctor can advise you. The doctor will adjust the amount of Botox units used in treatment to give you a more natural and expressive appearance. Frozen expressions are more likely to occur when Botox is administered by unskilled individuals who are not medical professionals.

What are fillers? How long will effects last? Are there side effects? Fillers include hyaluronic acid, collagen and/or synthetic fillers. Which wrinkle filler is used and how often it has to be renewed depends on the location of the fold, groove or crinkle that is being filled and the desired effect. In our office, we use Juvederm or Restylane, which are hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of connective tissue in the body. Its function is to cushion and lubricate. Hyaluronan occurs throughout the body in abundant amounts. Benefits are immediate with fillers and effects of treatment generally last 8-10 months. Having a second injection before waiting too long will prolong the benefit of the prior injection. There are no side effects associated with fillers. Over time, the fillers are absorbed into the body and degrade over a period of 6 to 12 months.

Does it hurt to get this type of treatment? The doctor will numb the area to be treated and you should not feel discomfort.

How do I know whether I need Botox or filler? The doctor will ascertain your needs at the pre-treatment evaluation. In some cases, both Botox and a filler will result in maximum benefit. Each person is unique and Dr. Kwon will tell you what will work best for you. Whether or not you are an existing patient of Preventive Medicine Group, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Kwon for an initial skin evaluation.

Is there anyone for who these treatments are not appropriate? These treatments are not recommended for people with obvious neurological problems such as MS, ALS, etc. If you have any concerns in this area, please contact our office and will can tell you if there is a contraindication.

Recommended Reading:
Feed Your Skin Starve Your Wrinkles – Eat Your Way to Firmer, More Beautiful Skin with the 100 Best Anti-aging Foods by Allison Tannis, M.S., R.H.N.