What is the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?

Botox and dermal fillers target different types of wrinkles. Botox is a neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes the underlying muscles responsible for dynamic expressions (like crow's feet and frown lines). Dermal fillers, conversely, use a gel-like substance (typically hyaluronic acid) to restore lost volume, smooth out static deep creases, and contour areas like the cheeks, lips, and jawline.

What is Sculptra and how does it differ from traditional fillers?

Traditional fillers provide immediate volume by filling spaces under the skin. Sculptra is a biostimulatory injectable made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) that works gradually. It stimulates your body's own natural collagen production over time. This restores facial volume and improves skin firmness subtly and naturally, with results that can last up to two years or more.

Does getting cosmetic injectables hurt, and is there downtime?

Most patients experience only minimal, brief discomfort, often described as a minor pinch. We prioritize your comfort and can apply a topical numbing cream before the procedure. There is virtually no downtime, allowing you to return to your normal daily activities immediately. Some mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site is normal and typically resolves within a few days.

How quickly will I see results, and how long do they last?

Botox results typically begin to appear within 3 to 5 days, reaching full effect at 2 weeks, and lasting 3 to 4 months. Hyaluronic acid fillers provide immediate results that last anywhere from 6 to 18 months depending on the product and area treated. Sculptra results appear gradually over a few months as collagen builds, offering beautiful, long-lasting outcomes for up to 2 years.

Will my results look natural, or will I look "frozen"?

Our philosophy centers on enhancing your natural beauty, not changing who you look like. Our highly trained injectors use a precise, conservative approach tailored to your unique facial anatomy. We target only the specific muscles or volume deficits needed to refresh your appearance, ensuring you maintain full, natural facial expressions.

How should I prepare for my injectable appointment?

To minimize the risk of bruising or bleeding at the injection site, we recommend avoiding blood-thinning substances for 3 to 7 days before your appointment, including aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and alcohol (unless medically prescribed). Arriving with a clean, makeup-free face is also helpful, and our team will provide full pre- and post-care instructions during your visit.

Aesthetics Treatments

Comprehensive Aesthetic Treatments designed to enhance your natural beauty

Botox Injections

Botox injections at THB Sarasota offer a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Administered by our skilled medical team under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Rutherford, our Botox treatments help you achieve a more youthful, refreshed appearance while maintaining natural facial expressions.

Botox (botulinum toxin type A) works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles – those lines that form from repeated facial expressions like frowning, squinting, or raising your eyebrows. This FDA-approved treatment has been safely used for cosmetic purposes for over two decades, with millions of satisfied patients worldwide.

Our approach to Botox treatments focuses on achieving natural-looking results that enhance your features rather than creating a frozen or artificial appearance. We take time to understand your aesthetic goals and customize each treatment to your unique facial anatomy and desired outcomes.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers at THB Sarasota offer an effective, non-surgical solution for restoring facial volume, smoothing wrinkles, and enhancing natural contours. Our expert team, led by Medical Aesthetician Jacky Romero under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Rutherford, uses only premium FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.

As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, leading to volume loss, wrinkles, and sagging. Dermal fillers work by replenishing lost volume and stimulating natural collagen production, effectively turning back the clock on facial aging while maintaining your unique facial characteristics.

Our comprehensive approach includes detailed facial analysis, personalized treatment planning, and expert injection techniques to ensure optimal results. We offer various types of fillers specifically chosen for different areas of the face and individual aesthetic goals.

Sculptra Treatments

Sculptra treatments involve injecting poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) into the skin to stimulate your body’s own natural collagen production, gradually restoring lost facial volume and improving skin quality over several months for a natural, youthful look. Treatment typically involves two to four sessions spaced weeks apart, with results developing over time and potentially lasting up to two years. Common side effects include bruising, swelling, redness, and minor pain, and Sculptra is not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions or active skin issues in the treatment area.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal at THB Sarasota offers a safe, effective, and permanent solution to unwanted hair using state-of-the-art laser technology. Our advanced laser systems target hair follicles with precision, providing long-lasting results for both men and women on virtually any area of the body.

Our laser hair removal treatments work by delivering concentrated light energy to hair follicles, which absorb the light and are destroyed, preventing future hair growth. The process is most effective on actively growing hair, which is why multiple sessions are required to achieve optimal results.

Under the expert care of our trained professionals and the supervision of Dr. Andrew Rutherford, we ensure safe, comfortable treatments with minimal discomfort and maximum effectiveness for all skin types and hair colors.

PRP Facials

A PRP facial is a cosmetic procedure that uses a patient’s own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to rejuvenate the skin. The process involves drawing blood, separating the PRP (which is rich in growth factors) in a centrifuge, and then applying it topically or injecting it into the skin, often after microneedling, to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, tone, and reduce wrinkles.

Morpheus8 Microneedling

Morpheus8 is a microneedling device that utilizes radiofrequency energy to remodel and contour the face and body via subdermal adipose remodeling. This fractional treatment penetrates deep into the skin and fat for a smoother and sleeker appearance.

Morpheus8 is a minimally invasive treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, and even contour fat on the face and body. It works by creating micro-injuries with fine needles, which trigger the skin’s natural healing response, and then the RF energy penetrates deeper than other microneedling devices to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. This results in firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.

CO2 Laser Treatments

CO2 lasers are primarily used for skin resurfacing and treating various skin conditions. They are effective in reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and scars, including those from acne, surgery, or burns. Additionally, CO2 lasers can address pigmentation issues, skin laxity, and certain lesions or growths.

CO2 lasers can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by stimulating collagen production and removing damaged skin layers. They are effective in minimizing the appearance of scars, including those from acne, surgery, or burns, by encouraging new skin growth and improving texture.

HiFu D12 Treatments

HIFU D12 treatments, an advanced form of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, are non-surgical procedures that use focused ultrasound energy to lift and tighten skin by stimulating deep collagen and elastin production. “D12” refers to the device’s ability to emit up to 12 lines of ultrasound in a single pass, allowing for faster and more even treatment of larger skin areas to improve texture, firmness, and reduce skin laxity. Results typically develop over two to three months and can last 6 to 18 months with no required downtime after the 30-90 minute procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?
- A: Botox and dermal fillers target different types of wrinkles. Botox is a neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes the underlying muscles responsible for dynamic expressions (like crow’s feet and frown lines). Dermal fillers, conversely, use a gel-like substance (typically hyaluronic acid) to restore lost volume, smooth out static deep creases, and contour areas like the cheeks, lips, and jawline.
Q2: What is Sculptra and how does it differ from traditional fillers?
- A: Traditional fillers provide immediate volume by filling spaces under the skin. Sculptra is a biostimulatory injectable made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) that works gradually. It stimulates your body’s own natural collagen production over time. This restores facial volume and improves skin firmness subtly and naturally, with results that can last up to two years or more.
Q3: Does getting cosmetic injectables hurt, and is there downtime?
- A: Most patients experience only minimal, brief discomfort, often described as a minor pinch. We prioritize your comfort and can apply a topical numbing cream before the procedure. There is virtually no downtime, allowing you to return to your normal daily activities immediately. Some mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site is normal and typically resolves within a few days.
Q4: How quickly will I see results, and how long do they last?
- A: Botox results typically begin to appear within 3 to 5 days, reaching full effect at 2 weeks, and lasting 3 to 4 months. Hyaluronic acid fillers provide immediate results that last anywhere from 6 to 18 months depending on the product and area treated. Sculptra results appear gradually over a few months as collagen builds, offering beautiful, long-lasting outcomes for up to 2 years.
Q5: Will my results look natural, or will I look “frozen”?
- A: Our philosophy centers on enhancing your natural beauty, not changing who you look like. Our highly trained injectors use a precise, conservative approach tailored to your unique facial anatomy. We target only the specific muscles or volume deficits needed to refresh your appearance, ensuring you maintain full, natural facial expressions.
Q6: How should I prepare for my injectable appointment?
- A: To minimize the risk of bruising or bleeding at the injection site, we recommend avoiding blood-thinning substances for 3 to 7 days before your appointment, including aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and alcohol (unless medically prescribed). Arriving with a clean, makeup-free face is also helpful, and our team will provide full pre- and post-care instructions during your visit.