Due to a wide variety of reasons, a lot of people have to deal daily with anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. This can severely impact the person’s life and even prevent him from doing regular activities.

Nowadays, there are several treatment options available that can help with these conditions, such as medication, therapy, and exercise. However, these traditional treatment options are not always efficient or fail to provide enough relief.

Fortunately, in cases where the patient is resistant to traditional treatments, ketamine infusion therapy has been proven successful. This innovative alternative helps ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety in a short time. Moreover, it became one of the most important breakthroughs in mental health problems treatment.

In this article, we’ll talk about ketamine, its pros and cons, and some general information you should know if you plan on taking the treatment.

What is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?

Ketamine infusion therapy is a treatment option designed to improve the condition of patients with mental disorders who are not responding well to regular treatments and therapy. Check out our trusted Los Angeles Ketamine Infusion Therapy treatment center.

It consists in providing the patient with ketamine through an IV injection. Katami slowly drips and flows directly into the bloodstream. Therefore, providing a quick and effective solution.

The drug is administered slowly. Therefore, each session can take around 40 – 60 minutes. While the patient is being administered ketamine, it is normal to feel mellow, relaxed, and light, similar to experiencing slight drowsiness. However, no psychological alterations occur, and your mind remains completely active.

After the session, patients experience a quick improvement in their symptoms. This usually happens after just an hour from the treatment. Nonetheless, this can take a few days for some people before they can experience a mood improvement.

It is essential to know that ketamine is a drug approved by the FDA to be used as anesthesia. Moreover, it has been used for over 50 years in medical procedures. However, the effect it produces on the brain cells caused physicians to use it off-label to treat the symptoms of several mental disorders.

Furthermore, it is also used to treat chronic pain.

Does it Really Help with Mood/Depression and Pain Disorders?

Ketamine has a powerful effect on the brain’s synapses. This helps improve the symptoms caused by mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, since it interacts directly with glutamate, it can even improve the condition of patients suffering from TRD (Treatment-Resistant Depression).

Although its interaction with the brain’s chemistry and the mechanism responsible for its powerful effect is still not fully understood, research has proven the effectiveness of its therapeutic effect.

When ketamine enters the body, it causes a calming effect on the area of the brain responsible for controlling the person’s mood and behavior. This happens as it blocks NMDA receptors in the brain.

NMDA are specialized receptors that interact with glutamate, a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in mood regulation. It allows neurons, also called brain cells, to send information between them. As a result, this information travels without stopping so the brain can function appropriately.

As these receptors are blocked, glutamate activity increases. This leads to the formation of new neuron connections. Moreover, these new connections have a positive effect on the person’s mood and help reduce the symptoms of mental disorders. Therefore, assisting the patient in achieving a more stable condition.

The blockage of the NMDA receptors also happens in the area of the brain responsible for managing pain. This causes a sedative effect that eases the pain.

Ketamine Infusion Therapy Pros and Cons

As with many treatments, this alternative has several considerable pros and cons. Nonetheless, some of the pros include:

●     High success rate:

Studies have proven that ketamine has a high success rate, even in patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression. This is caused by its effect on glutamate.

●     Quick effect:

The therapeutic effect of ketamine tends to occur within an hour after the treatment session. Therefore, it is an outstanding solution for patients with acute conditions that require immediate attention.

●     Lasting results:

Since ketamine effects are produced by creating changes in the brain cells, the results of a single session can last several days and weeks. This prevents the need for daily medication. Nonetheless, the patient must consult with the doctor if they can stop taking their traditional drug medication.

●     Medical supervision:

The treatment is performed in a clinical setup under medical supervision. This reduces the risk of complications.

Although ketamine infusion therapy offers excellent benefits, there are a few downsides to the treatment, such as:

❖   Mild dissociative side effects:

Ketamine can make the person feel mellow. It can also cause mild hallucinations, blurry vision, floating sensation, and dizziness. Nonetheless, these side effects disappear within 30 – 60 minutes after the session finishes.

❖   Risk of addiction:

Although the risk is low, patients might develop an addiction to ketamine. Therefore, patients with a drug abuse or addiction history must consult first with a doctor.

❖   Multiple visits to receive treatment:

Although the results can last for a long time, the patient needs to undergo multiple sessions. Usually, patients need to undergo 6 sessions over 2 – 3 weeks. Afterward, periodic maintenance sessions might be necessary. Nonetheless, every patient’s treatment plan is unique.

❖   Inability to drive after the treatment:

Due to the immediate side effects of the treatment, patients can drive or operate heavy machinery after a session. They must have an entire night of recovery before resuming their regular daily activities.

How Much is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?

Ketamine infusion therapy’s cost depends on the provider and dose. Furthermore, these therapies for pain disorders are usually more expensive than mental disorders since they involve higher ketamine doses.

Nonetheless, the average cost per session tends to be as follows:

• Depression and mental disorders: $400 – $800
• Pain disorders: $700 – $2,000

Where to Get Ketamine Infusion Therapy?

Ketamine infusion therapy is offered by several providers across the USA. However, the best places to get the treatment are at Younique in Santa Monica and Oxnard.

Younique has a professional team of doctors and personnel trained to evaluate your condition and needs. Furthermore, they can design a specialized treatment plan just for you. They provide a comfortable environment where you can relax and improve your problem with this highly effective treatment alternative.

Click here to schedule a consultation.

The post Pros and Cons of Ketamine Infusion Therapy appeared first on Santa Monica Med Spa & Cosmetic Surgery Los Angeles.

The world of cosmetic medicine is filled with a wide range of products and treatment options. This has made it possible to improve the appearance of any aesthetic flaw or defect a person might have.

Nowadays, facial wrinkles are one of the people’s biggest concerns as they age. Although they are entirely normal, they can make the person look older. Moreover, this can often result in an undesired appearance.

However, doctors have been able to solve this issue for a long time using Botox and other products with Botulinum Toxin Type A. Although these products can deliver excellent results, the recent development of Daxxify Revance offers a new alternative to anyone who wants to get rid of frown lines.

In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between Botox and Daxxify and help you choose the right option for you.

What is Botulinum Toxin Type A?

Botulinum toxin type A is the main ingredient of some wrinkle treatment products. This active ingredient is responsible for smoothing the lines’ appearance on the skin. Also, it gained popularity through its use in Botox’s formula.

It is also the active ingredient in Daxxify Revance. Therefore, both products have similar characteristics.

Botulinum toxin type A is a poisonous protein produced by a bacteria called Bacterium Clostridium. This protein acts as a neurotoxin that blocks communication between neurons or nerve cells. As a result, they don’t transmit the signal that makes the muscles contract. Nonetheless, Botulinum protein must be stabilized with another ingredient, so it can be safely used.

Usually, wrinkles are caused by different aspects, such as loss of skin elasticity and less oil production in the skin. However, muscle contractions accentuate the wrinkles.

Since Botulinum blocks the communication between nerve and muscle, it remains relaxed, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Both Botox and Daxxify share this principle. However, the ingredients they use to stabilize botulinum are different.

What is Daxxify Revance?

Daxxify is a contemporary product designed to treat frown lines. It is produced by the company Revance. Furthermore, it is effective in treating moderate to severe wrinkles.

The treatment consists of performing a series of injections above the eyebrows. These injections contain a product that relaxes the muscle temporarily upon contact.

What makes Daxxify unique and different from Botox is the way it stabilizes its Botulinum toxin.

Botox uses human serum albumin as a stabilizer. This is a byproduct that needs to be obtained from human blood. On the contrary, Daxxify uses a peptide as the stabilizer for Botulinum. This gives it high stability and allows the treatment results to last longer.

Difference Between Daxxify and Botox

Although both Daxxify and Botox have similar characteristics, there are a few differences that must be considered, such as:

●     Which one lasts longer (Daxxify or Botox):

Daxxify results last longer than Botox. Traditionally, botox results last for 4 months. Meanwhile, Daxxify lasts for 6 months on average.

●     Treatment areas:

Currently, Daxxify is designed to treat frown lines. This makes this option less versatile.

On the other hand, Botox can treat a wide variety of areas, such as frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines, hooded eyes, and more.

●     Ingredients:

Both Daxxify and Botox have Botulinum toxin type A. However, their formulas and other ingredients are different. Whereas Botox uses human albumin as a stabilizer, Daxxify uses a peptide.

●     Number of units per treatment:

The maximum number of units permitted per treatment for Daxxify is 40. Meanwhile, the maximum number of units allowed for Botox is 20.

Nonetheless, the maximum number of units of both options deliver the same 0,18 nanograms of botulinum. The difference relies on the other elements in the formulas.

Aside from these differences, Daxxify and Botox are highly similar. They both can produce outstanding results and share similar risks and side effects.

Daxxify’s FDA Approval

Daxxify by Revance is completely safe and was thoroughly tested before being released.

Furthermore, Daxxify was approved by the FDA in September 2022 as a treatment for frown wrinkles in adults.

The treatment was tested and evaluated in a clinical study that involved 2,800 people. This included adults of all ages and with different skin types.

During this study, most people reported an improvement in their wrinkles’ appearance that lasted for 6 months. No serious health issues were manifested in any patient.

However, there are a few mild side effects associated with the injections. These side effects include bruising, swelling, and redness in the injection area. Nonetheless, these symptoms resolve on their own after a couple of days. Additionally, they don’t cause any significant inconvenience or discomfort.

How Long Does Daxxify Last?

Daxxify is intended to last up to 6 months on average. However, some people have manifested an improvement in the frown lines that lasted up to 9 months.

During the study, 80% of the patients had no wrinkles or only minimally noticeable lines after 4 months. After 6 months, half of the patients still had no wrinkles.

In this large study, 5% of the patients remained wrinkle-free after 9 months. However, 17% of the patients in another clinical study manifested no wrinkles or only minor ones after 9 months.

Also, the Daxxify effect not only lasts long but also acts quickly. The initial signs of frown line improvements tend to show after just one or two days. However, the most noticeable changes usually occur after 2 weeks.

Where to Get Daxxify?

Daxxify is still new in the market, and not many providers offer the treatment.

Fortunately, Daxxify is available at Younique in Santa Monica (visit our Daxxify Los Angeles webpage) and Oxnard, CA (visit our Daxxify Oxnard webpage). Our doctors are already trained to provide this latest treatment option safely to any patient with issues with frown lines. Also, they can evaluate your case and give you the best solutions to your needs while explaining in more detail what the treatment entails.

Visit us at Younique in Santa Monica and Oxnard to get rid of your frown lines and achieve a youthful appearance.

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As a result, liposuction has become a popular treatment option for people who have trouble dealing with fat deposits.

Most people describe liposuction as a weight loss treatment that can help them achieve their ideal body. However, this is not entirely true, as liposuction has several limitations in what it can do.

Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, liposuction is usually not intended for people who want to achieve extensive weight loss. Instead, it is aimed at people near their ideal weight who have struggled to lose fat in specific areas of their bodies.

Schedule your Liposuction surgery in Los Angeles today.

What Does Liposuction Do?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat from different areas of your body. Unlike other surgical treatments, liposuction doesn’t shrink the size of fat cells but removes them entirely from the body.

Nonetheless, a healthy amount of fat cells is still left in the targeted area to prevent complications and health issues.

Although liposuction removes fat, it is not a weight loss treatment. This procedure is designed to remove fat from precise areas that haven’t responded well to diet and exercise. Also is intended for weight loss treatments. Therefore, its principal goal is to sculpt specific areas or body parts and provide a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Furthermore, the doctor can only remove around 10 pounds or 5 liters of fat from an area during the liposuction. Additionally, taking away more than that in a single procedure can lower blood pressure and endanger the patient. This makes the amount of weight loss through liposuction insignificant when the person is trying to achieve a significant weight improvement.

For this reason, obese and overweight people should not consider liposuction as the solution to their weight problems. Instead, it is highly recommended that they opt for other alternatives.

What is the ideal weight for liposuction?

There is no specific ideal or optimal weight considered for liposuction. The reason is that everyone’s body is different and has its individual body mass index (BMI).

Therefore, the ideal weight for liposuction depends on a series of personal aspects. Nonetheless, some doctors recommend the patient be within 30 pounds of his ideal weight. Being within this weight range usually helps the doctor to provide noticeable and satisfactory results that align with the patient’s goals and expectations.

On the other hand, a patient can also be a good candidate for liposuction if he is already within your ideal weight. Although someone might have reached their ideal weight, it is still possible to have stubborn fat that won’t disappear in certain areas. Liposuction can address this issue and help people achieve their desired body.

Nonetheless, weight is not the only aspect that determines whether someone is a good candidate or not. The patient must be healthy and free of uncontrolled systemic diseases since liposuction is a surgical procedure. Otherwise, it might be risky, and the odds of complications rise considerably.

Occasionally, liposuction can be a viable option for people above their ideal weight. Sometimes even with a slight overweight. A liposuction could improve the patient’s appearance if the doctor determines he can undergo surgery and his weight remains stable. Although it won’t serve as a weight loss procedure, it can help the body look more defined and aesthetically pleasing.

If you are unsure if you could consider liposuction to solve your issues, visit us at Younique. Our doctor will assess your case and discuss your treatment options to help you achieve the best results possible.

What to Expect from Liposuction Treatment

Liposuction is intended to remove fat and improve the appearance of specific areas. It only affects the area that undergoes the treatment while the rest of the body remains the same.

Furthermore, the area that undergoes liposuction looks slimmer and defined, and less rounded.

However, the procedure cannot remove stretch marks left after weight loss. Furthermore, liposuction doesn’t help with skin laxity and elasticity.

As a result, each case must be carefully studied, and other treatment options should be considered to address this issue.

Treatment alternatives for liposuction
If your goal is only to remove stubborn fat from a specific area, then liposuction might be your best option.

However, if you are trying to achieve overall weight loss, then you should opt for other alternatives, such as:

● Exercise:

Exercise is a natural and healthy way to lose weight. It also has other benefits.

Exercise helps tone the muscles for a better appearance. Furthermore, it improves your mood and self-esteem. It can also enhance your cardiac system and your stamina.

However, weight loss through exercise takes time and requires discipline and will.

● Bariatric surgery:

Bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, are procedures intended for weight loss. They involve reducing the stomach size or limiting the nutrients absorptions.

Bariatric surgeries are often employed when exercise is not producing the desired result. Doctors also recur to them when the person is experiencing a severe health condition due to their overweight that must be dealt with promptly.

● Diet:

Regardless of the treatment option chosen, you should maintain a healthy diet. This not only helps you remain within your ideal weight and body shape but also keeps you healthy.

Furthermore, it helps you maintain your results after liposuction and prevents you from developing stubborn fat again.

Can You Add Liposuction to Your Weight Loss Plan?

Stubborn fat is quite frequent among most people. Therefore, adding liposuction to your weight loss plan is usually a good idea.

Liposuction can help you improve your image and achieve your desired body once you have reached your ideal weight or are close to it.

Make an appointment at Younique, and we’ll answer all your questions about liposuction. Our team of professionals can help you attain your desired body image.

The post Should I Consider Liposuction If I’m Overweight? appeared first on Santa Monica Med Spa & Cosmetic Surgery Los Angeles.

Liposuction is a frequent and widespread cosmetic procedure. It consists in removing fat from isolated body parts or areas to improve the person’s appearance, helping people achieve their desired body image.

However, liposuction is a surgical procedure and of course, there are precautions you should take before surgery. Although board-certified plastic surgeons are trained to perform liposuctions safely, there are still a few risks associated with the surgery.

Nonetheless, the odds of suffering from severe health conditions during or after liposuction are extremely low. Moreover, patients rarely experience other side effects besides swelling and mild discomfort.

At Younique, our professional team is trained to perform liposuction with extreme care and precision. Schedule your Liposuction surgery in Los Angeles today.

Does liposuction hurt?

Same as with any other surgical procedure, liposuction is performed under anesthesia. Moreover, doctors usually employ general anesthesia to prevent all pain or discomfort during the surgery.

However, patients tend to experience some discomfort after the anesthesia effect wears off. This is an entirely expected reaction due to the invasiveness of the procedure.

Furthermore, the area where the incision is made to insert the cannula might itch and hurt for a while.

Nonetheless, the overall discomfort disappears after a few days. Usually, taking some rest and following the doctor’s aftercare instructions is enough for a quick recovery.

Also, the doctor can prescribe painkillers to help ease the discomfort during the initial days following the liposuction.

Risks associated with liposuction

Liposuction is considered a safe procedure. However, since it is a surgery, there are a few risks associated with it.

These issues or complications can occur due to the procedure or the patient’s health condition. For this reason, doctors thoroughly examine the patient’s medical history and the preoperative exams.

Moreover, plastic surgeons take all the measures necessary to reduce the risks of complications to a minimum.

Some of the risks associated with liposuction include the following:

●        Infections

The risk of infections is common in any surgical procedure. Bacteria can enter the body effortlessly through the wound in the surgical site or contaminated instruments. Therefore, everything in the operating room must be disinfected and sterilized to prevent infections.

Nonetheless, not taking proper care of the wound after the procedure can also cause infections.

●     Seromas (fluids accumulation)

Seromas are fluid accumulations under the skin. They can occur on the surgical site and take several days to form.

Small seromas tend to disappear on their own. However, large seromas usually require the doctor to drain them using a needle. Otherwise, they might get infected and turn into an abscess.

●        Punctures

Liposuction involves introducing a cannula between the skin and the muscles. Although it is not common, the doctor can accidentally puncture and injure the abdominal organs, muscles, and nerves with the cannula.

This can result in internal bleeding that must be stopped as soon as possible to prevent further damage, such as deep vein thrombosis.

●        Heart and kidney problems

Liposuction causes a shift in the body’s fluid levels during the procedure. This is caused by the amount of fat removed and the liquid introduced to help remove it.

This shift can lead to severe issues with the functioning of the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Therefore, putting the patient’s life at risk.

●        Fat embolism

A fat embolism occurs as fat cells break apart and reach the blood torrent instead of being vacuumed by the cannula.

This fat can then reach the heart, lounges, and brain. Therefore, causing dangerous clots in the blood vessels.

●        Skin imperfections

Liposuction can cause contour irregularities, depending on the patient’s skin and the surgeon’s expertise.

Poor skin elasticity combined with uneven fat removal and damage caused by the cannula can create bumps in the skin. It can also accentuate skin defects that are already present, such as loose skin and stretch marks.

●        Anesthesia side effects

Anesthesiologists often use lidocaine during liposuction. Although it is usually safe, some people can experience an adverse reaction or toxicity. This can cause shock and severe damage to the nervous system and the heart.

Additionally, patients can experience sore throat and nausea as frequent side effects of general anesthesia.

Common side effects

While the odds of developing severe health conditions after liposuction are low, every patient always experiences some common and mild to moderate side effects.

These side effects include swelling, bruising, and discomfort or pain after the procedure.

Bruising and swelling are direct consequences of the trauma and injury caused by the cannula. Nonetheless, they disappear after a few days or weeks, depending on the patient’s healing ability. Rest is also crucial to ensure a successful healing process.

Bruises can take up to two weeks to fade. Meanwhile, swelling usually takes 3 months to disappear.

Furthermore, the final liposuction results won’t show until the swelling has completely gone and the area has healed.

Are liposuction results permanent?

One of the main characteristics of liposuction is its permanent results. This procedure removes the fat cells from the targeted areas permanently. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that the person won’t be able to gain weight once again if they don’t maintain a healthy diet.

The fat cells are distributed across the entire body, and their main goal is to store fat. The size of these cells increases as more fat is stored inside them. Therefore, making the person look larger.

What makes fat cells unique is the way they behave. The body is designed to maintain only a fixed number of fat cells. Therefore, once a fat cell dies, it is replaced with a new one without increasing the total cell count.

Furthermore, this number of cells only increases when the person gains excessive weight. This happens as the cells run out of space to store fat. Thereby, the body creates more fat cells to hold this new fat excess.

Due to this unique cellular behavior, the fat cells removed through liposuction are not replaced by the body. Therefore, making the results permanent.

Liposuction also changes the way the body stores fats. As a result, even if the person gains some weight, the fat is most likely to be stored in the body parts that have not been treated with liposuction.

The post Is Liposuction Safe? appeared first on Santa Monica Med Spa & Cosmetic Surgery Los Angeles.

Nonetheless, when it comes to liposuction, most people often wonder about the cost of the procedure. This is an essential feature to evaluate when determining if liposuction is a viable alternative and which doctor will be performing the procedure.

However, there is no fixed price for liposuction. The cost is determined by several aspects regarding the patient’s condition and other medical expenses.

Fortunately, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) published a statistics report in 2020 with a general overview of liposuction costs around the USA. Nonetheless, it is essential to understand that the genuine and exact price for each patient can only be determined after a thorough examination by the doctor.

What is the average cost of liposuction?

In the USA, liposuction prices range between $1,000 – $20,000. However, the ASPS determined through its study that the average cost of most liposuction ranges between $3,500 – $3,600.

However, it is vital to understand that this number only reflects the cost of the procedure. There are additional expenses that contribute to the total cost. Therefore, they must be considered, as it increases how much the patients have to pay.

Depending on the doctor and the clinic, they might provide a global quote or an itemized list of the costs. The global amount includes the entire cost of the procedure with all the additional expenses.

Cost of liposuction based on the treated area or body part

The doctor can perform liposuction on multiple areas of the body. Each body part is different in both shape and size. Therefore, the complexity of the procedure and the amount of fat extracted varies depending on the body part.

As a result, the cost slightly varies between them. Here is a chart with an estimated price range per body part.

It is essential to understand that this chart only reflects a rough approximation of the average low-end and high-end range of prices per body part. As mentioned before, the overall average cost is $3,500 – $3,600.

Trusted Treatment Centers for Liposuction

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Cost of liposuction based on the state

The cost of liposuction also varies according to the state. The cost of living, the number of experienced plastic surgeons in the area, and the highly competitive market play a principal role in the cost of the treatment.

According to the ASPS, liposuction in California can range from $1,000 to $20,000. The vast difference between the low end and the high end in California is due to its dense population and competitive market.

California is home to many of the top plastic surgeons in the USA. Therefore, due to their expertise, their price range and flow of patients tend to be higher than other options. As a result, some plastic surgeons often offer more affordable prices. This helps them to compete and make their practice more attractive to patients.

How is the cost determined?

The total cost of liposuction is determined by several aspects. This includes surgical fees and non-surgical fees. Nonetheless, every patient is different, and the price is deeply tight to their case, the surgeon that performs the procedure, and the clinic or hospital.

The variables that affect the cost of the treatment include:

●     Provider:

Highly skilled plastic surgeons with a long record of liposuctions performed tend to charge more for their service. Their higher rates are justified by their expertise and satisfactory results.

Their consultation fees might also be higher than other plastic surgeons.

●     Size of the patient and body part:

The size of the patient and the fat amount that must be extracted also play a crucial role in determining the cost.

An intervention in a lengthier body part usually involves a longer operating time and effort. This increases the cost of liposuction, especially if a large amount of fat is needed to be extracted.

●     The complexity of the procedure:

Not all liposuctions have the same degree of difficulty. In some cases can be a real challenge for the surgeon.

Usually, liposuction on an area that has been treated with a previous liposuction tends to be more complex. This is due to the scar tissue that forms under the skin after the former liposuction procedure.

As expected, a complex liposuction case is more expensive than a simple case.

●     Additional fees:

There are a few additional fees that add to the total cost of the procedure. This includes:

1. Anesthesiologist fees when liposuction is done under general anesthesia
2. Operating room fees
3. Hospital or clinic stay fees
4. Preoperative exams
5. Post-operative expenses (compression garment, pain medication, antibiotics, etc.)

When planning liposuction, it is essential to discuss all the fees with the plastic surgeon to determine the total cost of the procedure.

Does insurance cover liposuction?

Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t cover liposuction since it is a cosmetic procedure.

However, on some occasions, liposuction might be performed to treat specific conditions, such as lipoma removal or heart issues due to high triglyceride levels.

In these cases, insurance might cover some of the surgery expenses.

Make an appointment at Younique for a complete evaluation and determine the cost of your liposuction. Our surgeons are trained to fulfill your expectations and provide outstanding results.

The post Liposuction Price: How Much Does Liposuction Cost? appeared first on Santa Monica Med Spa & Cosmetic Surgery Los Angeles.

Fortunately, there is a wide variety of treatment options available. Different creams and topical treatments have been used for a long time as a solution to cellulite issues. However, modern medical improvements have led to the development of more effective treatment alternatives.

Nowadays, most doctors rely on Avéli and QWO to treat cellulite and enhance the buttocks’ appearance. These treatment options have proven to be highly effective and capable of producing outstanding and long-lasting results.

If you are in Los Angeles and want to get rid of your cellulite with the latest techniques, visit us at Younique and let our team of experts help you improve your looks.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is a skin flaw or appearance defect that affects around 90% of women. Moreover, although rare, it can also affect some men.

Cellulite is characterized by the formation of dimples in the skin. This usually happens on the thighs and the buttocks. While it does not have medical relevance, it constitutes a skin appearance defect.

Most people believe that cellulite is caused by an unhealthy diet and a lack of exercise. However, this is not entirely true. Cellulite is caused by the septa bands located under the skin.

These are fibrous tissue bands that are rich in collagen. Their principal function is to bind and anchor the skin to the underlying tissues. Therefore, keeping it in place.

Occasionally, septa bands might thicken and pull the skin too hard. Therefore, creating a dimpled appearance on the skin surface.

Fortunately, releasing these septa bands can improve the skin’s appearance and smooth the dimples. For this reason, contemporary cellulite treatment options focus on fixing the condition by removing these bands. This allows doctors to provide noticeable and long-lasting results.

Among these newest treatment options, Avéli and QWO have gained popularity significantly. These alternatives are designed to treat cellulite by its root cause. Although both of them work in different ways, they are proven to be highly effective.

What is Avéli?

Avéli Cellulite removal is the latest alternative treatment option for cellulite. It consists of puncturing the skin to cut and release septa bands.

Avéli therapy is done with a specialized machine with a long and thin tip. This tip penetrates the skin through a small incision to reach the septa bands. Once inside, the doctor cuts the band with a tiny retractable blade located inside the tip.

Furthermore, Avéli employs high-end technology that allows the doctor to determine which septa bands need to be cut and how deep they are anchored. This allows the doctor to cut each septa band individually. It also helps him cut and release only the bands affecting the skin, turning the treatment into a highly precise procedure.

The treatment is done under local anesthesia to avoid discomfort.

What is QWO?

QWO is another treatment option for cellulite that consists of releasing septa bands. However, in this case, it is done through chemical methods instead of physical ones.

QWO employs a drug called Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum-aaes. This drug is administered through injections in areas suffering from cellulite.

Once the drug reaches the septa, it dissolves the fibrous band. Additionally, it promotes collagen production in the area to improve the results. During the procedure, the doctor can perform up to 12 injections in the targeted area. Additionally, the doctor can treat up to 2 different zones in the same appointment.

This treatment is non-surgical and can be performed at the doctor’s office. Furthermore, QWO was approved by the FDA in 2020.

What are the main differences between them?

Both Avéli and QWO are capable of producing outstanding results. However, a few differences between them should be considered when deciding which option to get.

●     Procedure time:

The procedure time between both alternatives is highly different.

An average Avéli session takes around 1 hour. This includes the time that it takes the doctor to anesthetize the area and cut and release each septa band. It also encloses placing the protective and compression clothing after the procedure is finished.

On the contrary, QWO appointments usually take between 10 – 20 minutes. Usually, this is what it takes the doctor to clean the area and perform all the necessary injections.

●     Number of sessions:

One of the primary benefits of Avéli is the number of sessions needed to achieve the desired results. Due to the nature and the way the procedure is performed, only one session is enough. However, in some rare cases, a second one might be necessary.

On the other hand, QWO requires 3 sessions. Furthermore, the patient must wait 21 days for the following session. As a result, the entire treatment takes around 2 – 3 months to complete.

●     Discomfort and pain management:

Avéli requires local anesthesia to avoid any discomfort during the procedure. Meanwhile, the doctor doesn’t have to use any type of anesthesia during QWO treatment.

However, both procedures cause the same degree of post-op discomfort. Nonetheless, this mild discomfort tends to disappear after a couple of days.

●     Downtime and recovery:

The downtime and recovery of Avéli and QWO are highly similar. Patients can usually resume their normal activities after 1 or 2 days.

However, both procedures cause swelling and bruising. These bruises can take up to 3 weeks to disappear. Additionally, doctors recommend avoiding exercise for a few weeks after the surgical procedures.

●     Results:

Both alternatives can provide the same quality of results. Nonetheless, it is essential to understand that the result depends on different aspects, such as the cellulite’s severity and the skin’s elasticity.

Which one is more suitable for you?

Avéli and QWO are outstanding solutions to cellulite issues. Therefore, determining which is better for you should be done based on the case characteristics and personal preferences.

Our doctors at Younique can evaluate your case and discuss which one is more suitable and works better for you. Come visit us in Los Angeles and get rid of your cellulite with the latest technology.

The post Avéli vs QWO: What is the best cellulite treatment? appeared first on Santa Monica Med Spa & Cosmetic Surgery Los Angeles.