Patient questions

Yes. Dr. Arshia Payman is a board-certified physician with 13+ years in aesthetic medicine. Her Georgia medical license number is 61513.

No. The practice focuses on cosmetic and aesthetic care. For skin cancer checks, moles, rashes or acne medication, see a dermatologist.

A physician-led med spa is a cosmetic clinic where a licensed physician owns or directs the medical care. At Derm Clinic MD, that physician is Arshia Payman, MD. Botox, dermal fillers and chemical peels are medical procedures, so who plans and oversees them matters as much as the product. Read: what a med spa is, and when to see a dermatologist instead.

Expect to go over your health history, medications and goals. The area you want treated is examined, and you hear which options fit, what each can and cannot do, the risks, the recovery and the cost. Photos are usually taken for your chart, and you sign a consent form only if you decide to go ahead. What to expect at your first consultation.

Dr. Arshia Payman, MD, a board-certified physician with 13+ years in aesthetic medicine, is the only provider at Derm Clinic MD and personally treats every patient, at both offices. She completed her internal medicine residency at George Washington University in 2008 and taught at Emory University. About Dr. Payman.

Whichever is closer. The Buckhead office is at 3833 Roswell Rd NE, Tuxedo Atrium, Suite 108, Atlanta, GA 30342 (404-937-3760). The Cumming office is at 425 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 345, Cumming, GA 30041 (404-937-3447). Both are open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM and Saturday 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Yes. Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, lip filler and other dermal fillers are offered at the Cumming office, 425 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 345, Cumming, GA 30041 (404-937-3447), as well as in Buckhead. Every treatment starts with an in-person consultation. Botox in Cumming or lip filler in Cumming.

No. Derm Clinic MD focuses on cosmetic and aesthetic treatment. For a skin check, a changing mole, a rash or another skin condition, see a dermatologist, a physician who diagnoses and treats skin, hair and nail disease (American Academy of Dermatology). If you are not sure which you need, call either office and ask.

For frown lines, the FDA label for Botox Cosmetic says the effect lasts about three to four months, and the American Academy of Dermatology says 3 to 4 months, sometimes longer. Your own timing depends on the area, the dose and your muscles, so a good plan includes when to come back. Botox at Derm Clinic MD.

All three are botulinum toxin type A, and all three are FDA-approved for frown lines between the brows. Botox Cosmetic is also approved for crow's feet, forehead lines and neck bands, while Jeuveau is approved only for frown lines. Their units are not interchangeable, so compare the total cost of a treatment, not the price per unit. Compare Jeuveau and Botox or Dysport and Botox.

It is usually low risk for a well-chosen patient, but the area is unforgiving. A 2024 meta-analysis of 31 reports covering 2,556 people found swelling in about 19%, bruising in about 18% and a bluish Tyndall effect in about 1%. The rare serious risk is filler entering a blood vessel, which the FDA warns can damage skin or cause vision problems, including blindness. Who is a good candidate for under-eye filler.

Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as the Juvederm and Restylane families, can be broken down with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. A 2024 review in JMIR Dermatology calls it essential for treating most hyaluronic acid filler complications. Sculptra is not hyaluronic acid, so it cannot be dissolved this way, and the FDA notes that fillers not made of hyaluronic acid may be difficult or impossible to remove. About dissolving filler.

Gold members pay $11 per unit of Botox and $10 per unit of Jeuveau. Everyone else is quoted at the consultation, because your total depends on how many units your plan needs, not on the unit price alone. Derm Clinic MD pricing or the full Botox cost guide.

It depends on how much you need. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons' 2023 statistics put the average physician fee for hyaluronic acid filler at $715, a national figure that varies by region and provider. Some areas take more than one syringe: in the FDA trial of Juvederm Voluma XC for cheeks, the median total was 6.6 mL, and it comes in 1 mL syringes. The cheek filler guide.

Usually not. Cosmetic treatments are elective, and the American Academy of Dermatology notes that cosmetic procedures are typically not covered, though it is worth confirming with your plan. Ask for the full cost before you book treatment. What a med spa is, and what it is not.

Members pay $99 a month, which they save toward Botox, Jeuveau or dermal fillers, with member pricing of $11 per unit of Botox and $10 per unit of Jeuveau. There is a six-month minimum, then it continues month to month, and cancelling before six months carries a $99 fee. Membership details, or read when a membership saves you money.

Yes. Every treatment at Derm Clinic MD starts with an in-person consultation, so your health history is reviewed and your plan, the product, the expected result and the risks are explained before anything is done. New patient information.

Neither wins for every skin. In a head-to-head trial, microneedling improved indented acne scars more than glycolic acid peels, while chemical peels are a long-standing choice for sun spots, uneven tone and dullness. Your skin tone, your downtime and your sun plans narrow the choice. How to choose between microneedling and a peel.

Expect redness and a sunburn-like feeling that usually fades within a few days to a week. Results build slowly as your skin makes collagen: the American Academy of Dermatology says you may see improvement within a few weeks, full results usually take several months, and some people need a series of treatments. The microneedling results timeline.

It depends on the depth. A light peel usually heals in 1 to 7 days, with redness first and possible flaking. A medium peel takes 7 to 14 days, with swelling that builds for about 48 hours before the skin crusts and peels (American Academy of Dermatology). Ask which depth your plan uses. Peel recovery, day by day.

Not quite. Sculptra is an injectable poly-L-lactic acid, a filler material the FDA lists, but it works gradually over weeks rather than filling a line on the spot. It usually takes a series of sessions, it can cause small lumps called papules or nodules that may appear months later, and it cannot be dissolved the way hyaluronic acid filler can. What Sculptra is, and its downsides.

Usually not. A 2010 review (Fabbrocini et al.) says peeling cannot completely clear ice pick and rolling scars, and the American Academy of Dermatology says laser treatment cannot get rid of a scar. A realistic goal is shallower scars and smoother texture, and some respond more than others. More on Acne scar treatment.

Ice pick scars are narrow and deep, so surface treatments reach them less well. Reviews describe acid on single scars, punch techniques and repeated peels. Punch excision is minor surgery, which this office does not offer, so a deep ice pick pattern may need a dermatologist. More on Acne scar treatment.

The American Academy of Dermatology calls microneedling suitable for all skin tones, and a 2022 trial (Ishfaq et al.) enrolled Fitzpatrick types IV to VI. The FDA still lists darker skin as a caution because skin can darken or lighten. Mention past dark marks or keloids. More on Acne scar treatment.

Microneedling redness and a sunburn-like feeling usually fade in a few days to a week, and the AAD advises waiting 24 hours before makeup. Peels and lasers vary with depth. Plan around sun for the following two weeks. More on Acne scar treatment.

No. The AAD says at-home and non-medical spa products are not meant to puncture skin, so results are less noticeable, and at-home use can spread warts and herpes. Pressing too hard can leave scars or color changes. More on Acne scar treatment.

The AAD says studies show PRP used with another treatment like microneedling can lead to less visible scarring. But the FDA says microneedling devices are not approved for delivering blood products such as PRP into the skin, and the risks of such combinations are not known. Ask what is planned. See the PRP and PRF facial page. More on Acne scar treatment.

Peels can soften fine lines, especially under the eyes and around the mouth, which the AAD lists among the concerns peels treat. Deeper wrinkles, sagging and deep scars do not respond well to peels, according to the Cleveland Clinic. For those, other options such as laser resurfacing may fit better, and the consultation is where that is sorted out. More on Chemical peels.

It depends on your goal. Peels are a common option for uneven tone, sun spots and rough texture, but light peels usually need a series, and the AAD notes that most results are not permanent because skin keeps aging. Ask for the cost and number of visits for the whole plan, and what change is realistic for your skin, before you decide. More on Chemical peels.

Derm Clinic MD offers chemical peels at both offices, in Buckhead and Cumming, after an in-person consultation (see our locations). Whoever you choose, the AAD suggests asking who will perform the peel, how many they have done on people with your skin coloring, what results, downtime and risks to expect, what it costs, and whether you can see before-and-after photos. More on Chemical peels.

The FDA warns against purchasing or using chemical peel products without professional supervision. It says the agency has not approved any chemical peel products, and that some products sold for home use contain acid strengths the agency says are too high to use safely at home without supervision. Have a peel done by a licensed, trained provider, in the office, with a plan for aftercare. More on Chemical peels.

Peels are used for some types of acne and for mild scarring, the AAD and Cleveland Clinic say. Derm Clinic MD does not provide acne medication visits, so see a dermatologist if your acne needs prescription treatment. For indented acne scars, see our acne scar treatment page. More on Chemical peels.

A peel may be one part of a plan. The AAD says the most effective melasma treatment often combines sun protection with medications you apply to the skin, and sometimes a procedure such as a peel. It also says sun protection helps prevent melasma from returning. The AAD says a dermatologist can often diagnose melasma by examining your skin, so confirm the diagnosis before you start a peel series. More on Chemical peels.

The Cleveland Clinic says that as the solution is applied you may feel a warm to somewhat hot sensation for a few minutes, then stinging that a cool compress may relieve. For a medium peel it lists redness, swelling, stinging and flaking afterward. Deep peels differ: the Cleveland Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology both say you receive general anesthesia, and the AAD says they are done in a surgical setting. Neither page rates the pain, so ask the office how it keeps you comfortable. More on Chemical peels.

Expect some discomfort during and after. The Radiesse patient guide says you and your doctor may decide to numb the area with a topical or injected anesthetic. Afterward, 92% reported pain in the study behind that guide, and 45% in the patient diaries of the hyaluronic acid filler study in the Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine patient brochure. Ask about comfort options at your consultation. More on Hand rejuvenation.

Often within days, though not for everyone. In the Radiesse study 46% to 48% reported temporary difficulty performing activities and 6% still did after 14 days. The guide advises removing rings before treatment, keeping them off until swelling settles, and limiting strenuous activity and heat for 24 hours. More on Hand rejuvenation.

The FDA approves dermal fillers for adults 22 and older. The Radiesse guide adds that its safety in hands has not been studied under 26 or over 85, and the hyaluronic acid brochure says under 22. The consultation weighs age with your health history. More on Hand rejuvenation.

Calcium hydroxylapatite can. The Radiesse guide says it is visible on CT scans and may be visible on plain X-rays, that it is unknown whether it could interfere with diagnosing a hand injury, and that you should tell your doctor and radiologist. A 2025 case report found filler mimicked disease on hand X-rays until the history was known. More on Hand rejuvenation.

Filler can reduce how prominent veins look when volume loss is the cause. The AAD says some veins are too big to hide with filler, and that a dermatologist can treat a large vein with laser or sclerotherapy. Vein treatment is a separate procedure. More on Hand rejuvenation.

It can be done with extra care. The Radiesse instructions for use say difficulty performing activities was more common in Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI (68% reported it). The hyaluronic acid brochure notes that in its facial trials some African-American patients had skin darkening that resolved after 6 weeks. Mention any scarring or pigment history. More on Hand rejuvenation.

It depends on what you want and what you can accept. Improvement may last several years, the Cleveland Clinic says, but you trade that for days to weeks of healing, a real risk of pigment change and a rare risk of scarring. Deep wrinkles and heavy sagging may not respond. Ask for the cost of the whole plan and a realistic description of the change before you decide. More on Laser resurfacing.

They solve different problems. Laser resurfacing works on the skin surface, including texture, fine lines, scars and color, while a facelift is surgery that addresses sagging. Derm Clinic MD does not offer surgery, so if sagging is your main concern, the consultation is the place to find out whether laser can meet your goal or whether you should see a surgeon. More on Laser resurfacing.

Derm Clinic MD offers both, and the main differences between laser treatments are depth, healing time and the number of sessions. The office explains at your consultation how the two compare for your skin. Ask how deep each would go, how long healing takes, how many sessions you would need, what the risks are for your skin tone, and what results to expect. More on Laser resurfacing.

Plan around the sun. The Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding tanning or heavy sun and using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily for four weeks before treatment, and the AAD says sun protection is crucial before and after laser treatment, since sunlight on treated skin can cause a new scar. If your summer is full of pool days or lake weekends, choose a quieter stretch. More on Laser resurfacing.

Redness varies. The ASPS says peeling usually starts about five days to a week after treatment and pinkness may take up to a year to go away, and that redness tends to last longer in blondes and redheads. The Cleveland Clinic says pink to red coloring can last for months. Ask your physician what to expect for your skin and the laser planned. More on Laser resurfacing.

Comfort depends on the laser, the area and the plan. The Cleveland Clinic describes resurfacing in general as outpatient treatment with local anesthesia combined with oral or IV sedation, with general anesthesia possible for the full face, and the ASPS says skin afterward typically feels like a mild sunburn. What your visit involves depends on the laser and your plan, so ask the office exactly how it will keep you comfortable and what to expect that night and the next few days. More on Laser resurfacing.

Yes. A 0.02% tretinoin cream label is marked Rx only, and the AAD lists tretinoin among prescription retinoids, so a physician must prescribe it. Retinol is sold over the counter, and adapalene comes in both forms. Whether a prescription fits you is a physician's decision after a consultation, with your medicines and any pregnancy plans reviewed. More on Medical-grade skincare.

Both are retinoids, a catch-all term for vitamin A-based products. The AAD describes retinol as routinely used for uneven tone, pigmentation and texture and sold over the counter, while tretinoin is a prescription formulation. Over-the-counter labels need not state the retinol percentage. More on Medical-grade skincare.

Peeling and dryness are expected. In the trials behind one tretinoin cream's label, almost everyone had some peeling, dry skin, burning, stinging, redness or itching. An AAD article quotes dermatologists advising a slow start with a moisturizer, and night use with sun protection by day. Call the office if irritation is severe. More on Medical-grade skincare.

Not during pregnancy. The AAD says retinoids should not be used during pregnancy, and the tretinoin cream label says the same. For nursing mothers the label says it is not known whether the drug passes into milk and that treatment may be postponed. Tell the physician if you are pregnant, planning to be or breastfeeding. More on Medical-grade skincare.

Evidence is real but limited. A 2023 systematic review (Correia and Magina) of 7 studies with 139 volunteers found smoother, less wrinkled and lighter skin, but the authors say more studies are needed. Hydration did not beat placebo. Dermatologists in a 2025 Delphi consensus (Alvarez et al.) still recommended it for fine lines and dark spots. More on Medical-grade skincare.

The AAD's label advice is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher and water resistant; its page does not compare mineral with chemical. An AAD article suggests a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for sensitive skin, and a 2025 dermatologist panel listed mineral sunscreen for fine lines and redness, a consensus list rather than a head-to-head test. Pick one you will wear daily. More on Medical-grade skincare.

No. The tretinoin cream label says it does not eliminate wrinkles, repair sun-damaged skin or reverse photoaging. Botox relaxes the muscles behind certain lines and dermal fillers replace lost volume, while skincare protects and refines the skin surface. They can be planned together at one consultation. More on Medical-grade skincare.

No. The FDA describes aesthetic microneedling devices like the SkinPen as using needles to mechanically puncture the skin. RF microneedling sends radiofrequency energy through electrode needles and is not on Derm Clinic MD's treatment list. In October 2025 the FDA warned of serious complications with certain RF uses, including burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement and nerve damage. More on Microneedling.

Yes, in acne scar trials. A 2024 analysis of 24 trials found combinations did better than microneedling alone, with the peel combination ranking highest and no significant difference in side effects. The FDA says microneedling devices are not approved to deliver blood products such as PRP into the skin, so that pairing is off-label, and that the risks of combining devices with other products are not known. More on Microneedling.

No. The FDA authorization covers adults aged 22 or older and does not list an upper age. Participants in the SkinPen Precision study were 23 to 60. Your skin and health history matter more than your age; see our results guide. More on Microneedling.

The AAD lists stretch marks among the concerns dermatologists treat with microneedling, but they are not among the FDA-authorized uses: facial acne scars, facial wrinkles and abdominal scars, so treating them is off-label. The FDA says a device may not have been reviewed for every part of the body. Ask the office what it offers for your area. More on Microneedling.

Ask the office for the device name. The FDA says authorized devices have public summaries in its De Novo and 510(k) databases, and that the 510(k) database can be searched by product code QAI. Each summary lists the areas that device is authorized to treat. More on Microneedling.

It depends on what you are treating. In a small randomized trial of 60 people with skin types IV to VI and indented acne scars, 73% of the microneedling group improved by more than one scar grade, against 33% given 35% glycolic acid peels. The American Academy of Dermatology lists peels for uneven tone, age spots, melasma and sun damage. One small trial does not settle it for every skin. More on Microneedling.

Usually. The AAD describes a vampire facial as PRP applied with a syringe or microneedling. The Cleveland Clinic uses the term vampire facelift for PRP injections combined with a hyaluronic acid filler, which is a different treatment with filler risks. Ask exactly what your appointment includes. Our results guide covers PRP added to microneedling. More on PRP and PRF facial.

Reports differ. The AAD says results can last as long as 18 months, and the Cleveland Clinic gives 12 to 18 months for a PRP facelift that includes filler. A 2025 review of PRP and PRF around the eyes found PRF improvements often faded by 6 months. No standard schedule exists, so ask your physician what to expect for your plan. More on PRP and PRF facial.

Most patients who get results have 3 or more treatments, according to the AAD, and the Cleveland Clinic says some providers use three sets, one a month for three months. A 2025 review notes that studies have small samples and that the number of sessions and the interval between them are not standardized, so the right number for you is a judgment call at your consultation. More on PRP and PRF facial.

Expect some discomfort. The AAD says you may have a bit of pain, bruising and swelling afterward, and in the Mayo Clinic Florida trial, which used injections and microneedling, participants reported pain or discomfort and burning or stinging during treatment. Ask the office how it will keep you comfortable and what to expect over the next few days. More on PRP and PRF facial.

Tell your physician first. The AAD says PRP is not recommended for anyone with cardiovascular disease that requires a blood thinner, and the Cleveland Clinic lists taking a blood thinner as a reason a PRP facelift is not recommended. Share your full medicine list at the consultation. More on PRP and PRF facial.

Usually not. The AAD says that because PRP is given to improve a person's appearance, medical insurance does not cover the cost. Ask the office for the total cost of your plan, including every planned session, before you start, so you can decide with the full figure in view. More on PRP and PRF facial.

That depends on your expectations. The research is small and mixed, results vary, and you may need several sessions. Some people choose it knowing the benefit is uncertain. If you want an approach with stronger evidence for a specific problem, such as acne scars, ask about alternatives at your consultation. More on PRP and PRF facial.

No. SkinVive is a hyaluronic acid gel injected into the skin. The FDA reviewed it as an injectable dermal filler device, but its labeled purpose is smoother cheek skin and fewer neck lines, not added volume. Botox is a different type of treatment; see Botox and dermal fillers for how each works. More on Skin boosters.

The gel contains lidocaine, and in the neck study participants rated procedural pain at an average of 1.9 on a scale from 0 to 10 right after injection, which the label calls minimal. Soreness, tenderness and swelling afterward are common. Your doctor may also use ice or a numbing agent; your injector will tell you which. More on Skin boosters.

SkinVive is hyaluronic acid, and the patient information lists hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, among medicines a physician may choose to treat side effects that persist. Whether that fits depends on the problem, so call the office rather than judging it yourself. Dissolving filler is a service this office offers. More on Skin boosters.

Ask first. The label says that if laser treatment, chemical peeling or any other procedure based on active dermal response follows SkinVive, there is a possible risk of an inflammatory reaction at the implant site, and the same applies if SkinVive is given before the skin has healed from one. Your injector can sequence the treatments. More on Skin boosters.

SkinVive is approved to improve cheek skin smoothness and reduce neck lines, not to tighten or lift skin. If sagging is your main concern, the ASPS says only surgery reaches the results of a neck lift. A consultation can tell you whether any treatment here fits or whether to seek a surgical opinion. More on Skin boosters.

Those uses are off-label. The label says SkinVive is intended for improving skin smoothness of the cheeks and reducing neck lines, and that safety and effectiveness in other areas of the body have not been established in controlled clinical studies. Ask your injector what they recommend and why. More on Skin boosters.

In the cheek study, 12.6% of treated participants were Fitzpatrick type V or VI. The label reports consistent responder rates across subgroups, but the numbers are very small (4 of 9 type V and 4 of 6 type VI at one month). The label also says safety in people with pigmentation disorders has not been studied, and the patient information says use in them may change pigmentation. Tell your injector about any history of dark marks or scarring. More on Skin boosters.

Derm Clinic MD includes one B12 injection a month with Gold membership. For anyone else, the office quotes your cost at the consultation after the plan is made. Whatever you are quoted, ask what is included, such as a health review, before you compare prices between providers. More on B12 Injections.

Yes. The injectable form is a prescription drug in the United States, and the cyanocobalamin injection label is marked Rx only. B12 tablets and similar forms are sold as dietary supplements. Because injectable B12 is a prescription drug, expect the consultation to cover your health history first. More on B12 Injections.

Possible signs include fatigue, brain fog, depression, numbness or tingling, and balance problems, but they overlap with many other conditions, so only a blood test can tell. A 2025 American Family Physician review of vitamin B12 deficiency (Patel and McGuirk) suggests testing when you have at least one risk factor and one clinical feature, and treats a level below 180 pg/mL as diagnostic. More on B12 Injections.

There is no single answer. The body stores about 1 to 5 mg of B12, which is why deficiency symptoms can take years to appear, according to NIH. The label notes that 50 to 98% of an injected dose may appear in the urine within 48 hours, and it says pernicious anemia needs treatment for the rest of the patient's life, with monthly maintenance after the first weeks. Your schedule depends on your level and cause. More on B12 Injections.

Beyond the side effects on the cyanocobalamin injection label, the practical downsides are cost and the chance of treating the wrong problem. A 2025 American Family Physician review of vitamin B12 deficiency (Patel and McGuirk) says people with no clear cause of deficiency need further testing, such as for atrophic gastritis, which a shot alone will not find. The cyanocobalamin injection label also warns that treatment can mask the true diagnosis in someone who is actually low in folate. More on B12 Injections.

Injections have not been dropped for deficiency: they remain the cyanocobalamin injection label's treatment for pernicious anemia and other malabsorption, and a 2025 American Family Physician review (Patel and McGuirk) keeps them for severe or nerve-related deficiency. What the evidence supports is narrower. That review also calls oral B12 noninferior for most patients with deficiency, and a 2021 meta-analysis in Nutrients in people without overt deficiency found no evidence of benefit for cognition or depression. More on B12 Injections.

Protocols vary. The AAD says most patients return monthly for three months, then every three to six months. A 2022 network meta-analysis of 25 trials associated more sessions at shorter intervals with better density at six months. Dr. Payman sets a schedule after your consultation. More on PRP and PRF Hair Restoration.

The American Academy of Dermatology says that within the first few months you may notice you are losing less hair. In a 2023 meta-analysis of PRP trials for hair loss (Zhang et al., Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery), density was higher than placebo at 3 and 6 months. Hair grows slowly, so judge results over months, with photos, and expect them to differ from person to person. More on PRP and PRF Hair Restoration.

No. A 2022 network meta-analysis (Gupta and Bamimore, J Drugs Dermatol) states PRP is not FDA-approved for treating pattern hair loss. A 2022 review (Paichitrojjana and Paichitrojjana, Drug Des Devel Ther) adds that any use of PRP other than blood transfusion is off-label, which is not prohibited when a physician uses it to practice medicine. An FDA clearance covers a kit, not a hair-loss treatment: one recent clearance covers extracting platelet concentrate from a small volume of venous whole blood after centrifugation, and its indication does not mention hair. Both sources concern PRP, so ask the office how PRF is regulated for hair use. More on PRP and PRF Hair Restoration.

That is not established. PRF is the newer preparation, and two 2024 reviews (Shrestha et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Mohale et al., Cureus) found small studies, no consensus on how to prepare it and a need for larger, well-designed studies to confirm any advantage over PRP. PRP has more trials behind it. Ask Dr. Payman what the evidence supports for your hair loss. More on PRP and PRF Hair Restoration.

Trials include women, and one network meta-analysis linked female sex with better PRP results, though that is an association across trials, not a promise. Finasteride is FDA-approved for men only. Hair loss in women has many causes, so a physician evaluation, with blood tests when a deficiency or hormone imbalance is suspected, comes first. More on PRP and PRF Hair Restoration.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that PRP means returning for repeat injections, and reviews of PRP describe repeat schedules rather than a one-time fix. Meta-analyses of PRP for hair loss, such as a 2023 analysis of nine trials (Zhang et al., Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery), compared results at three and six months, so long-term outcomes are not well known. Ask your physician how to track your hair over time, for example with regular photos. More on PRP and PRF Hair Restoration.

Not entirely. In a randomized crossover trial of people with sleep bruxism, grinding events were lower four weeks after Botox than after placebo, but the difference was not sustained at 12 weeks and self-reported symptoms did not differ. Botox weakens the muscle; it does not remove the urge to clench. Ask your dentist whether a night guard makes sense. More on Botox for Jaw Clenching and TMJ.

A 2026 meta-analysis of botulinum toxin for masseter muscle hypertrophy (Machado et al., Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery) of five placebo-controlled trials with 536 people found short-term improvement in masseter prominence, muscle thickness and satisfaction, though the trials varied widely. This use is off-label in the United States today. The manufacturer says the FDA has accepted an application for Botox Cosmetic for review; it is not approved. The bite and bone points on the Botox for jaw clenching page still apply. More on Botox for Jaw Clenching and TMJ.

Both labels cover onabotulinumtoxinA, but they list different uses. The Botox Cosmetic label lists frown lines, crow's feet, forehead lines and platysma bands. The Botox label lists medical uses such as chronic migraine, cervical dystonia and underarm sweating. Neither lists TMJ pain, grinding or clenching, which is why this use is called off-label. See Botox for the cosmetic uses. More on Botox for Jaw Clenching and TMJ.

Plan to wait. The Botox label says there are no adequate human data on pregnancy, that animal studies showed lower fetal weight and less skeletal ossification, and that there are no data on breast milk or breastfed infants. Tell the office if you may be pregnant or are nursing. More on Botox for Jaw Clenching and TMJ.

Yes, a dental or medical evaluation of the cause comes first. NIDCR advises anyone who thinks they have a TMD to consult a dentist or doctor, and says jaw or face pain may not be related to a TMD at all. Botox acts on muscle, not on the joint, so if the cause is the joint or another condition, treating the muscle may not help. Bring what you learn to a consultation. More on Botox for Jaw Clenching and TMJ.

There is no established schedule for jaw clenching. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of botulinum toxin and mandibular bone (Moussa et al., Journal of Oral Rehabilitation) found that most studies of bone effects did not look at repeated injections, and its authors called for more rigorous trials. If symptoms return as the effect fades, weigh another round with your doctor and dentist rather than booking on a calendar. More on Botox for Jaw Clenching and TMJ.

Injections go into the skin, and the label lists injection site pain among the most common side effects. Cleveland Clinic quotes a surgeon saying underarm injections are usually more uncomfortable than truly painful, like a quick pinch or sting, and that palms and soles hurt more. Ask the office what it does for comfort. More on Botox for Sweating.

Those uses are off-label. The Botox label says safety and effectiveness in areas other than the underarms have not been established, and it warns of hand weakness with palm treatment and eyelid drooping with face treatment. A 2019 review of hyperhidrosis treatment options (Nawrocki and Cha, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology) names iontophoresis as the main remedy for palms and soles. The Botox for sweating page covers the underarms. More on Botox for Sweating.

Some people notice more sweating in other areas. The label lists sweating outside the underarms among the most frequently reported side effects, in 3 to 10% of adults in the double-blind studies. Tell Dr. Payman if it bothers you, and mention any sweating that is widespread, since that can point to another cause. More on Botox for Sweating.

Plan to wait. The Botox label says there are no adequate human data on pregnancy, that animal studies showed lower fetal weight and less skeletal ossification, and that there are no data on breast milk or breastfed infants. Tell the office if you may be pregnant or are nursing. More on Botox for Sweating.

Both contain onabotulinumtoxinA but have separate labels. The Botox Cosmetic label lists frown lines, crow's feet, forehead lines and platysma bands. The Botox label lists medical uses, including severe underarm sweating, chronic migraine and cervical dystonia. See Botox for wrinkle treatment. More on Botox for Sweating.

The label's trials measured the response at four weeks, so that is the point its numbers describe. Cleveland Clinic quotes a surgeon saying improvement can start within 24 hours, with full effect after a week or two. Your own timeline may differ, and Dr. Payman can tell you when to check in. More on Botox for Sweating.

Yes. Botox Cosmetic is approved for adults, and the label's frown-line studies included men, though 82% of participants were women. Investigators rated 85% of 334 women but 59% of 71 men as having none or mild lines at day 30 in an exploratory analysis. Discuss expectations with your injector. More on Botox.

Crow's feet, the lines at the outer corners of the eyes, are an FDA-approved use, and the label's crow's feet studies list only eyelid edema (1%) among selected reactions. Other spots near the eyes are off-label. Eyelid droop (ptosis) and eye dryness are listed risks. More on Botox.

Botox is a prescription drug that relaxes muscle activity. The FDA describes dermal fillers as medical device implants that help create a smoother or fuller appearance. Which you need depends on whether movement or lost volume is behind the line, and the ASPS notes the two can be combined. More on Botox.

Derm Clinic MD offers Botox at both offices. The Buckhead office is in the Tuxedo Atrium on Roswell Road, convenient to Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Midtown and in-town Atlanta. The Cumming office is on Peachtree Parkway, convenient to Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Suwanee and Forsyth County. More on Botox.

Ask where the product comes from and who will inject it. In April 2024 the FDA warned that counterfeit Botox had been found in multiple states and that it knew of adverse events including hospitalizations. It advises confirming that your product comes from an authorized source and that the person injecting is licensed and trained. More on Botox.

In general, no. The American Academy of Dermatology says signs of aging are not covered, though excessive sweating may be covered at least partly, and plans vary. Check with your insurer and ask the office about cost. More on Botox.

The four-hour rule usually means staying upright for about four hours after Botox. The Cleveland Clinic advises staying upright for three to four hours, not rubbing or pressing the area for 12 hours and avoiding exertion for 24 hours. The American Academy of Dermatology advises not rubbing or massaging the area and waiting two hours before strenuous activity. The FDA label sets no such rules. Because advice differs, follow your office's written aftercare instructions. More on Botox.

A flat price tells you little until you know the product, the number of units and who injects. For scale, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a 2023 national average of $435 per neuromodulator treatment, any brand, and fees vary by region and provider. A 2022 review listed Botox at $10 to $20 per unit but cited no price survey. Gold members, at $99 a month on a six-month minimum, pay $11 per unit; the office quotes everyone else at the consultation. More on Botox.

The label does not rate pain. In the pooled frown-line trials, injection site pain was reported by 3% of Dysport-treated people and 2% on placebo, and injection site reaction by 3% against under 1%. Such reactions can include numbness, discomfort, redness, tenderness, tingling, itching, stinging, warmth, irritation, tightness and swelling. Ask the office how it keeps you comfortable. More on Dysport.

The label says that, as with all therapeutic proteins, antibodies are possible, and that comparing antibody rates across products may be misleading. In its frown-line studies, 1,554 people were tested across up to nine treatment cycles: 2 had binding antibodies before treatment, 3 more developed them afterward, and none developed neutralizing antibodies. More on Dysport.

Some can. The label says aminoglycoside antibiotics, other agents that interfere with nerve-to-muscle signals, and muscle relaxants may increase its effect, and that anticholinergic drugs given afterward may add effects such as blurred vision. The Medication Guide also asks about allergy, cold and sleep medicines. Bring a list of everything you take. More on Dysport.

Your injector decides, and the Dysport label urges care. That FDA-approved label, revised September 2023, says the effect of giving botulinum toxin products at the same time, or within several months of each other, is unknown, and that excessive weakness may be worsened if another toxin is given before the first has worn off. Tell your injector what you have had. More on Dysport.

Studies do not show a clear difference. The labels say up to four months for Dysport and about three to four months for Botox Cosmetic. In a 2013 three-brand randomized trial, muscle activity returned to baseline at a median of about 140 days in women for both, with sex a stronger predictor than brand. More on Dysport.

Ask where the product comes from and who will inject it. The Dysport label says its carton carries a unique hologram and that the product should not be used if the hologram is missing. The FDA warned in April 2024 that counterfeit Botox had been found in multiple states, so the same care applies to any toxin: an authorized source and a licensed, trained injector. More on Dysport.

The FDA labels do not rank them. Both are approved for frown lines in adults, but Dysport only under age 65, while Botox Cosmetic also covers crow's feet, forehead lines and neck bands. The Dysport label says it is not for anyone allergic to cow's milk protein and that its units are not interchangeable with other brands. Compare the total cost of your plan, not the price per unit. More on Dysport.

Per the Dysport label, it is not for anyone allergic to cow's milk protein, and its boxed warning says toxin effects can spread from the injection site, with swallowing and breathing problems that can be life threatening. In the frown-line trials, eyelid ptosis occurred in 2% and injection site reactions in 3%, and dry eye has been reported. Its only cosmetic approval is frown lines in adults under 65, so other cosmetic areas are off-label. More on Dysport.

The label says retreatment should be no more frequent than every three months, and the Medication Guide says Jeuveau should not be received more than once every three months. In two one-year open-label safety trials of 922 people, with a median of three treatments each, the side effect profile was similar to the single-dose trials. Your injector will recommend timing based on how you respond. More on Jeuveau.

The label says botulinum toxins may lead to antibodies that reduce the effect of later treatments by inactivating the toxin. Among 1,414 people treated with Jeuveau in its studies, 2 had antibodies before treatment and 2 developed them afterward. The label adds that comparing antibody rates across products may be misleading. More on Jeuveau.

The two label trials enrolled adults aged 18 to 81, including 68 people aged 65 and older. No differences in safety or efficacy were seen between older and younger participants, but the label says there were too few older adults to know whether they respond differently. Ask your injector what to expect. More on Jeuveau.

Each vial contains 100 units of botulinum toxin type A, human serum albumin and sodium chloride, with no preservative. The label says the albumin is a derivative of human blood and carries an extremely remote risk of transmitting viral disease and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and that no cases of transmission have been identified for licensed albumin products. More on Jeuveau.

The label lists aminoglycoside antibiotics, other agents that interfere with nerve-to-muscle signals, anticholinergic drugs, other botulinum toxins and muscle relaxants as products that may add to Jeuveau's effects, and says to use them with caution. The Medication Guide asks whether you have had any other botulinum toxin in the last four months. Bring a list of your medicines and your toxin history. More on Jeuveau.

The Jeuveau label lists no activity or positioning rules. For botulinum toxins in general, the American Academy of Dermatology advises not rubbing or massaging the treated areas and waiting two hours before strenuous activity. Follow the written instructions your office gives you, which may be stricter. More on Jeuveau.

One head-to-head trial of 540 adults, funded by Jeuveau's maker, Evolus, compared the two for frown lines. At day 30, 87.2% of Jeuveau patients and 82.8% of Botox patients had none or mild lines, and the authors concluded Jeuveau was noninferior, meaning not meaningfully worse; the trial did not show it was better. The Jeuveau label approves it only for frown lines, and its units are not interchangeable with other brands. More on Jeuveau.

Voluma XC is one brand of hyaluronic acid filler, from the Juvederm family, approved for cheek augmentation. Other fillers also carry cheek approvals, including Restylane Lyft, so cheek filler names the area, not a single product. Your injector will tell you which product is planned for you and why. See our dermal fillers hub for how products and areas fit together. More on Cheek filler.

No area is without risk, and the FDA calls a blocked blood vessel the most concerning one. In the American Academy of Ophthalmology review of 198 reported cases of vision loss after filler, the nose was the injection site in 90 of 226 reported injection sites and the cheek in one. Those are case counts, not rates. The Voluma XC label says to use it only with trained, experienced practitioners. More on Cheek filler.

It depends on how much volume you have lost. In the FDA trial of Voluma XC, where 93.6% of treated people had moderate, significant or severe midface volume loss, the median total volume injected was 6.6 mL. Your amount depends on your anatomy and goals, so ask for a written plan that names the product and the amount. More on Cheek filler.

The FDA summary says Voluma XC was effective in all Fitzpatrick skin types studied, for men and women. The label does set limits: safety with a cannula for cheek augmentation has not been established in Fitzpatrick types V and VI, and safety in people prone to keloids, hypertrophic scarring or pigment disorders has not been studied. Raise this at your consultation. More on Cheek filler.

Hyaluronic acid cheek filler can be reversed with hyaluronidase. A 2024 review describes its use for lumps, a bluish tint called the Tyndall effect, allergic reactions and, urgently, blocked vessels. The office offers dissolving filler as its own treatment. More on Cheek filler.

Leave room. In the FDA trial of Juvederm Voluma XC, responses lasted 2 to 4 weeks, about 20% of people had one beyond 30 days, and touch-ups came about 30 days after the first visit. Booking at least a month ahead leaves time for swelling to settle and for a touch-up if you need one. Your injector will advise on your timing. More on Cheek filler.

That depends on your goals and budget. In the Voluma chin trial, average chin satisfaction on the FACE-Q scale rose from 34.9 at baseline to 71.3 at 6 months. But filler is temporary, so the cost repeats, unlike an implant. More on Chin and jawline filler.

Filler adds volume along the jaw; it does not tighten loose skin. ASPS lists jowls among the changes a surgical facelift treats and says minimally invasive treatments cannot achieve the same results. See non-surgical facelift for the limits and for who surgery suits better. More on Chin and jawline filler.

The data are mixed and men were few. In the FDA's Volux jawline trial summary, 11 of 14 men (78.6%) were responders at 6 months versus 68.9% of women, and it calls the subgroup differences not statistically significant. In the FDA's Voluma chin trial summary, only 7 of 15 men (46.7%) were responders, below the FDA's 50% target, against 57.7% of women. More on Chin and jawline filler.

If it is hyaluronic acid, hyaluronidase can break it down. Radiesse (+), which the FDA lists for the jawline, is calcium hydroxylapatite, and a 2024 review lists that material among fillers hyaluronidase cannot dissolve. The FDA warns that fillers not made of hyaluronic acid can be difficult or impossible to remove. More on Chin and jawline filler.

In the Voluma chin trial, people rated pain during injection at an average of 2.3 on a 0 to 10 scale, with some scores up to 8. The Voluma XC gel contains lidocaine, and tenderness and swelling are common afterward. Your injector will tell you how comfort is managed. More on Chin and jawline filler.

In the Voluma chin trial, over 90% of treated people kept the highest facial function grade before and after treatment, and sensation testing showed no reduction. The Volux summary reports no compromise of jaw function, sensation or speech, yet 4 of 198 people (2.0%) had a chewing (mastication) disorder that resolved within 3 days. Report numbness, weakness or an uneven smile to the office. More on Chin and jawline filler.

That depends on what you want and how you feel about repeating treatment. Fillers are temporary, ASPS says ongoing treatments are needed for long-term results, and insurance does not cover them. They can restore volume and soften specific areas, but they cannot match what surgery does. A consultation is the place to find out whether filler, another treatment or no treatment fits your goal. More on Dermal fillers.

No area is without risk. In an American Academy of Ophthalmology review of 198 reported cases of vision loss after filler, the nose was the injection site in 90 of 226 reported sites (40%), the forehead in 56 (25%) and the area between the brows in 26 (12%), with one each in the lip and cheek. These are case reports, not rates, and treatment usually did not reverse the vision loss. More on Dermal fillers.

The FDA says hyaluronic acid in fillers can come from bacteria or rooster combs. The Juvederm Voluma XC label says its HA is produced by Streptococcus bacteria, crosslinked with BDDE and mixed with 0.3% lidocaine. Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid, a biodegradable polymer, and Radiesse is calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral found in teeth and bones, suspended in gel. More on Dermal fillers.

Hyaluronic acid fillers can be reversed with hyaluronidase, which a 2024 review describes for lumps, a bluish tint called the Tyndall effect, allergic reactions and, urgently, blocked vessels. The office offers dissolving filler as its own treatment. The FDA cautions that other fillers may be difficult or impossible to remove. More on Dermal fillers.

The FDA says the safety of fillers used together with neuromodulators such as Botox has not been evaluated in a controlled clinical study. That is a limit on the evidence, not a ban. Whether to combine them, and in what order and timing, is a decision for your consultation. See our Botox page for the neuromodulator side. More on Dermal fillers.

There is no single product for older skin. FDA approvals are written by product and area, and the choice depends on where you have lost volume and how much. Labels set limits too: for Juvederm Voluma XC, cheek safety is established for ages 35 to 65, and the chin study excluded people with significant skin laxity, which the label says can obscure the result. More on Dermal fillers.

This page cannot give one price for three syringes, and a quote can mean different things. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists a 2023 national average physician fee of $715 for hyaluronic acid fillers, varying by region and provider, but it is one average that does not say how many syringes it covers, so it cannot be turned into a price per syringe. Ask whether a quote is per syringe or per treatment. The office quotes your total after Dr. Payman makes your plan. More on Dermal fillers.

Expect some discomfort. A 2024 review in JMIR Dermatology lists itching, a burning sensation, swelling and redness at the injection site as the main effects of hyaluronidase injections. Your injector will tell you what to expect and how comfort is managed. Unusual pain, vision changes or white, gray or blue skin after filler needs immediate medical attention. More on Dissolving filler.

It breaks down some of your own HA as well, but a 2024 review in JMIR Dermatology says the body restores its native HA in about 15 to 20 hours and reasons from this that there are no detrimental long-term effects on skin quality. The practical risk is removing more filler than you wanted, which is why plans often go in small steps. More on Dissolving filler.

Ask the provider who treated you for the product name or its patient labeling; the FDA says your doctor can provide the patient labeling for the specific filler you received. Bring any receipt, card or photos. If the product is not hyaluronic acid, such as Sculptra or Radiesse, a 2024 review in JMIR Dermatology lists those materials among fillers hyaluronidase cannot dissolve, and the FDA warns removal can be difficult or impossible. More on Dissolving filler.

If it is still HA, yes in principle. A 2024 review in JMIR Dermatology says hyaluronidase may be used at any time and cites an effect 63 months after the original injection. But HA fillers also fade on their own: the FDA says their effects last approximately 6 to 12 months, so whether anything is left to dissolve is a question for your exam. More on Dissolving filler.

If the lip filler is hyaluronic acid, yes. A 2024 review in JMIR Dermatology includes a case in which upper lip overfilling and swelling after HA filler resolved after treatment that included hyaluronidase. Because that review recommends small steps with reassessment to avoid removing too much, treatment may take more than one visit. See lip filler for the treatment itself. More on Dissolving filler.

It depends. A 2024 review in JMIR Dermatology says skin testing is optional for non-urgent problems such as overcorrection and is not required for recombinant hyaluronidase, though it may be considered for bovine, ovine or compounded products. Skin testing is not recommended in an emergency such as a blocked blood vessel, because delay is the bigger risk. Your injector will tell you which approach applies to you. More on Dissolving filler.

A price alone does not tell you what you are getting. Ask which FDA-approved product will be used, how much of it, who injects it and whether a touch-up visit is included. For scale, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists 2023 national average physician fees of $698 for lip augmentation and $715 for hyaluronic acid fillers, varying by region and provider. The FDA advises choosing a licensed, trained provider, asking about their training and experience injecting filler, and not buying filler online. The office quotes your cost at the consultation. More on Lip filler.

There is no single right amount. It depends on your lips, your goals and the product, and Dr. Payman decides it with you at the consultation. In the FDA trials of lip fillers, people often came back for a touch-up visit, and the total amounts varied widely from person to person. Ask the office to explain what your plan involves and what it costs before you agree to treat. More on Lip filler.

Pain and tenderness are common. In the Juvederm Volbella XC trial, 80.5% of people logged some pain in the 30 days after treatment, and 58.9% of them rated it mild while 10.5% rated it severe. The FDA notes that some fillers contain lidocaine to decrease discomfort. Ask your injector what numbing is planned. More on Lip filler.

Hyaluronic acid lip filler can be broken down with hyaluronidase, an enzyme. A 2024 review describes its use for lumps, a bluish tint called the Tyndall effect and allergic reactions, and urgently for blocked blood vessels. The office offers dissolving filler as its own treatment. More on Lip filler.

The Volbella XC label gives no waiting time for kissing or other contact. It does say mild to moderate responses typically resolve within 14 days, and it advises avoiding strenuous exercise, extensive sun or heat, and alcohol for the first 24 hours. Ask your injector what to expect for your plan and follow your written aftercare instructions. More on Lip filler.

Tell your injector before treatment. Reactivation of herpes is among the events reported for Restylane Kysse, and oral herpes was reported in the Juvederm Volbella XC lip trial. Whether anything should be done beforehand is a medical decision for your consultation, not something to start or stop on your own. More on Lip filler.

No single option is the most effective, because the treatments do different jobs: filler for lost volume, a neuromodulator for muscle-related lines, and peels, microneedling or lasers for wrinkles and texture. For loose skin, an AAFPRS press release says facelift surgery tightens it, and ASPS says minimally invasive treatments cannot achieve the same results. Your consultation matches a plan to what you want changed. More on Non-surgical facelift.

Each part lasts a different time. The AAD says neuromodulator results last about 3 to 4 months, and sometimes longer. The FDA says hyaluronic acid filler effects last approximately 6 to 12 months, calcium hydroxylapatite about 18 months and poly-L-lactic acid up to 2 years, depending on the material and the area. Ask your injector what a full year of maintenance looks like. More on Non-surgical facelift.

Injectables cannot lift loose skin the way surgery does. They can restore volume, and skin treatments such as microneedling, chemical peels and laser resurfacing improve texture. An AAFPRS press release says microneedling, peels and other non-invasive treatments give some skin tightening, but not as much as typical facelift or neck lift surgery. More on Non-surgical facelift.

ASPS's list of good facelift candidates names health, not age: healthy people without conditions that impair healing, nonsmokers, and people with a positive outlook and realistic expectations. A consultation can help you decide whether a non-surgical plan is enough or whether a surgeon's opinion is worth getting, since ASPS says minimally invasive treatments cannot achieve the same results as a facelift. More on Non-surgical facelift.

In a 2010 randomized study of 90 women aged 35 to 55, onabotulinumtoxinA plus a hyaluronic acid filler gave greater improvement than either alone for all end points at most time points in the perioral area and lower face. It tested one filler gel and one toxin, and the Botox Cosmetic label does not list the perioral area. The FDA's filler patient page says approval is based on controlled studies of the products in the face or hands, and that the safety of using them with neuromodulators or other treatments has not been evaluated in a controlled clinical study. More on Non-surgical facelift.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says minimally invasive treatments may help delay when a facelift becomes appropriate and complement the results of surgery. Whether past filler affects a later operation is a question for the surgeon, so tell any surgeon what you have had injected, including dates and products. More on Non-surgical facelift.

Some fillers contain lidocaine, which the FDA says is intended to decrease pain or discomfort related to the injection. Tenderness, swelling and bruising are common afterward. Your injector will tell you how comfort is managed for each part of your plan. More on Non-surgical facelift.

They can, but the evidence is limited. A 2025 open-label study of the filler VYC-17.5L (Cueto et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology) was designed and funded by the filler's maker, and followed adults with a mean age of 59.2, mostly women with lighter skin types, so it may not predict your result. Ask your injector what to expect for your face and how long it is likely to last. More on Smile lines and marionette lines.

The evidence for marionette lines tests one product at a time; it does not compare families. A 2025 open-label study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, for example, evaluated a single product (VYC-17.5L), and the FDA's filler pages do not compare products. Restylane, Juvederm and Revanesse Versa each include HA fillers with FDA approval for nasolabial folds, and the FDA reviewed each product for specific areas, so the choice depends on the product's labeling, the depth and area treated, and your injector's judgment. More on Smile lines and marionette lines.

Botox is not FDA-approved for nasolabial folds or marionette lines. The Botox Cosmetic label lists glabellar lines, lateral canthal lines, forehead lines and platysma bands, and says the safety and effectiveness of unapproved uses have not been established. See Botox for approved uses. The FDA's patient page also says the safety of using these fillers in combination with neuromodulators or other treatments has not been evaluated in a controlled clinical study. More on Smile lines and marionette lines.

If it is hyaluronic acid, hyaluronidase can break it down, a use that a 2024 review calls off-label in aesthetics. A 2024 JMIR Dermatology review lists poly-L-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite fillers (Sculptra, Radiesse) among those hyaluronidase cannot dissolve. Results and the number of sessions vary. See dissolving filler for allergy risk and what to expect. More on Smile lines and marionette lines.

The Juvederm Ultra Plus XC patient labeling says some discomfort may occur during and after injection, that the gel contains an anesthetic to reduce injection-site pain, and that physicians may also numb the area with a cream. Tenderness is among the most common side effects it lists. Ask your injector how comfort is managed at your visit. More on Smile lines and marionette lines.

No. They are separate approved uses. The FDA lists correction of wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds as one use for absorbable fillers and augmentation of the cheeks as another, and it approved products area by area. Some plans treat the fold, the cheek or both. See our cheek filler guide for the cheek side. More on Smile lines and marionette lines.

Mostly, but not exactly. A 2023 review describes the tear trough as one groove, running down and outward from the inner corner of the eye where the eyelid meets the cheek, and infraorbital hollowing as the broader U-shaped depression under the eye. The FDA uses the broader term. In everyday use the names overlap. More on Under-eye filler.

Filler is for hollows, not puffy bags. The FDA trial of Restylane Eyelight excluded people with large or herniating fat pads, festoons or a tendency toward eyelid swelling, and the Eyelight label says a tendency toward edema may lead to excessive swelling. For true bags, a 2023 review lists lower eyelid blepharoplasty, a surgery this office does not offer. More on Under-eye filler.

No area is without risk, and the under-eye area needs particular care: the Restylane Eyelight label says necrosis and scarring may occur after injection in or near vessels, such as in the periorbital area. In the American Academy of Ophthalmology's review of 198 reported cases of vision loss after filler, the nose accounted for 40% of injection sites, the forehead 25% and the area between the brows 12%. These are case reports, not rates. More on Under-eye filler.

Approved under-eye fillers are hyaluronic acid gels. The Restylane Eyelight label describes hyaluronic acid generated by Streptococcus bacteria, chemically crosslinked with BDDE, at 20 mg/mL with 0.3% lidocaine. Hyaluronidase, an enzyme, can break hyaluronic acid filler down if it needs to be corrected. More on Under-eye filler.

Yes. Hyaluronic acid filler can be degraded with hyaluronidase, an enzyme, and a 2024 review describes its use for the Tyndall effect, nodules and allergic reactions, with immediate treatment for a blocked vessel. The office offers dissolving filler as its own treatment. More on Under-eye filler.

It can if your dark circles come from pigment rather than a hollow. The Restylane Eyelight label warns that injection in people with pigmented dark lower-eyelid circles may be associated with more prominent discoloration, and its FDA trial excluded pigment-based dark circles. A bluish Tyndall effect was also reported in 0.9% in a 2024 meta-analysis of hyaluronic acid injections in the tear trough. More on Under-eye filler.

Some discomfort is common. In the diary kept in the Restylane Eyelight FDA trial, 59.8% of people logged pain, including burning, and 89.7% logged tenderness. The Eyelight gel contains 0.3% lidocaine, a local anesthetic. Ask what numbing is planned and what to expect afterward. More on Under-eye filler.

Not with the enzyme used on hyaluronic acid filler. Hyaluronidase breaks down hyaluronic acid, and a 2024 review lists calcium hydroxylapatite among fillers it cannot dissolve. The FDA says it may be difficult or impossible to remove fillers not made of hyaluronic acid, and the Radiesse label notes that an infection may necessitate attempted surgical removal. Dissolving filler is a service this office offers for hyaluronic acid filler. More on Radiesse.

Yes. The FDA says calcium hydroxylapatite will be visible in x-rays and may obscure underlying features, and the Radiesse label says the particles are clearly visible on CT scans. In a radiographic study of 58 patients, there was no indication it masked abnormal tissue or was read as a tumor. Tell your primary care clinician and any radiologist that you have had Radiesse. More on Radiesse.

Not as a labeled use. The label says its safety and effectiveness in the lips have not been established, and it notes published reports of nodules after injection into the lips. Safety and effectiveness around the eyes have not been established either. For fuller lips, see lip filler. More on Radiesse.

Those are not labeled uses. Radiesse's labeled uses are facial wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds, jawline contour for Radiesse (+), the back of the hands, chest wrinkles in diluted form and facial fat loss in people with HIV. Anything else is off-label, so ask why a product is or is not recommended for you. For cheek volume, compare cheek filler. More on Radiesse.

In the jawline trial's diaries, most people's reactions lasted 14 days or less, and 16.6% had a reaction lasting 15 to 28 days. Lumps or bumps lasted 15 to 28 days in 9.1%. Call the office if a lump persists, grows or becomes painful. More on Radiesse.

Yes, hand augmentation to correct volume loss in the back of the hands is a labeled use. The hand label warns of significant swelling, so rings come off before treatment; temporary difficulty performing activities (48% of study patients, and 68% in Fitzpatrick types IV to VI); nodules, bumps or lumps (12%) that can last up to a year; and tendon weakening or rupture if product is injected into a tendon. See hand rejuvenation for how the office approaches it. More on Radiesse.

A diluted form (1:2 with saline) was FDA-approved in 2026 for chest (décolleté) wrinkles in people 22 and older. The chest label says not to inject over breast tissue and that safety has not been established after breast cancer or radiation to the area. It also says it is unknown whether the material shows on chest imaging or affects cancer screening there. A study of 75 patients found no interference with mammograms or breast ultrasound. Safety beyond 84 weeks has not been studied. Whether this office offers chest treatment is a question for the consultation. More on Radiesse.

There is no single right price, because Sculptra is usually a series and quotes differ in what they include. Ask how many sessions a quote assumes, whether a follow-up visit is included and whether the price is per vial or per course. Each vial is for one patient and one session only, according to the label, so unused product cannot be saved. Derm Clinic MD quotes after your consultation. More on Sculptra.

That depends on what you want. It fits if you value gradual change that the FDA says may last up to 2 years and accept a series of sessions plus possible home massage. It is a poor fit for a last-minute event, and the evidence is modest: a 2024 systematic review rated it low quality. Ask for a full-series quote, then decide. More on Sculptra.

On the FDA's general estimates, it can: Sculptra's poly-L-lactic acid may last up to 2 years, against approximately 6 to 12 months for hyaluronic acid filler. The label says how quickly the body absorbs it has not been determined; in its five-year study, 66.3% of participants seen at year 5, after one series of up to four sessions, rated themselves at least slightly improved. Longer is not automatically better: the FDA says filler that is not hyaluronic acid may be difficult or impossible to remove. More on Sculptra.

The main downside is delayed lumps. The Sculptra instructions for use say papules and nodules can appear days to months after injection and take a long time to resolve, and some need treatment. In the label's five-year study of 867 people, 28.5% had a nodule or papule. Results build over several weeks and need a series of sessions. Aftercare may include home massage; the instructions describe five minutes, five times a day for five days, as the provider advises. More on Sculptra.

Tell your injector about every medicine and supplement before treatment, and do not stop any on your own; your prescriber decides that. The label says people with bleeding disorders, or who use substances that affect platelet function, thrombolytics or anticoagulants, may bruise more or bleed at the site, and that safety has not been evaluated with immunosuppressive therapy. More on Sculptra.

Ask first. The label warns of a possible inflammatory reaction at the treated site if a laser treatment, chemical peel or other procedure based on active dermal response follows Sculptra, and the same applies if Sculptra is given before skin has healed from one. Your injector can sequence laser resurfacing or chemical peels so each has time to settle. More on Sculptra.

Those uses are off-label. The labeled areas are nasolabial folds and other facial wrinkles, the cheek region and facial fat loss in people with HIV, and the label says injecting at other anatomic sites has not been evaluated. The FDA also recommends against injectable fillers for body contouring to increase the size of the buttocks. Ask your injector what is appropriate for you. More on Sculptra.