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Tox, Filler, & PRP FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Cosmetic Toxins

1. What is tox?

Botox is a purified protein derived from botulinum toxin. It temporarily relaxes facial muscles, smoothing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by repetitive facial expressions.

2. How does tox work?

Tox works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles where it is injected. This prevents muscle contractions, reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles like crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines.

3. What does the tox procedure involve?

The procedure is quick and minimally invasive:

  • Your injector begins by cleansing the treatment area.

  • Targeted areas are precisely injected with tox using a fine needle.

  • The entire process takes about 10-20 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated.

4. How soon will I see results?

Initial improvements are usually noticeable within 3-5 days, with full results appearing after 7-14 days, once the tox fully takes effect.

5. How long do the effects of tox last?

Tox results typically last 3-4 months. Over time, muscle activity gradually returns, so maintaining results requires follow-up treatments every few months.

6. Does tox hurt?

Most patients report only mild discomfort during the procedure. The needle is very fine, and your injector may use ice or a topical numbing agent to minimize any discomfort.

7. Are there any side effects?

Common side effects include minor swelling, bruising, redness, or tenderness at the injection site. These usually resolve after a few hours to a couple of days. Rare side effects may include drooping eyelids or asymmetry, which your injector will discuss with you.

8. Is there any downtime after treatment?

Tox is a “lunchtime procedure,” meaning there’s virtually no downtime. You can resume most activities immediately, though you should avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, or lying down for 4 hours post-treatment.

9. When should I schedule a follow-up appointment?

A follow-up appointment is optional but may be scheduled 1-2 weeks after treatment to monitor results and make any necessary adjustments.

10. Is tox safe?

When administered by a trained and licensed professional, tox is FDA-approved and considered safe for cosmetic use. Choosing an experienced injector will minimize risks and ensure optimal results.

11. What can tox treat?

Tox primarily targets dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements. Common treatment areas include:

  • Forehead lines

  • Frown lines (between the eyebrows)

  • Crow’s feet (around the eyes)

  • Bunny lines (on the nose)

It can also be used for other purposes like reducing excessive sweating, jaw slimming, or relieving migraines.

12. How is tox different from dermal fillers?

Tox relaxes muscles to soften wrinkles caused by movement, while dermal fillers add volume to areas of the face, like lips or cheeks, to fill in lines or contour features. The treatments complement each other but address different cosmetic concerns.

13. Who is a good candidate for tox?

Anyone looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dynamic wrinkles may be a candidate. You’ll need to be in good overall health, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and have realistic expectations about the results.

14. Can tox prevent wrinkles?

Yes, many younger clients use tox as a preventative treatment to reduce the formation of wrinkles by minimizing repetitive facial movements.

15. How do I prepare for my tox treatment?

Avoid alcohol, blood-thinning medications (like aspirin or ibuprofen), and certain supplements (like fish oil or vitamin E) for 24-48 hours prior to your appointment to reduce the risk of bruising. Click here to see all our before care instructions.

If you have any additional questions or want to schedule a consultation, feel free to reach out to us!

16. What types of tox treatments are available?

At Apricity we are proud to offer Xeomin ($12/unit): Similar to Botox, Xeomin is also made from botulinum toxin but is formulated without any additives, which some believe may reduce the risk of developing resistance to the treatment over time. 

 

17. How much tox will I need?

​This varies greatly per individual and is a decision made in conjunction with your trusted nurse injector. Factors to consider are treatment area, desired outcome, and budget. Most people fall within the range of 30-90 units, although this is not guaranteed. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dermal Fillers

1. What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable gels designed to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial features. They are commonly used to reduce signs of aging, plump lips, contour cheeks, and improve skin texture.

2. How do dermal fillers work?

Fillers are made from substances like hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid. When injected into specific areas of the skin, they add volume, stimulate collagen production, or enhance hydration, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance.

3. What types of dermal fillers are available?

We currently offer Hyaluronic Acid Filler RHA. Hyaluronic acid fillers are a popular cosmetic treatment designed to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Made from a substance naturally found in your skin, these fillers work by retaining moisture, giving you a hydrated and youthful appearance. Loved for their versatility and immediate results, hyaluronic acid fillers are a safe, effective way to achieve a naturally refreshed look with little to no downtime..​

4. What is the dermal filler procedure like?

The procedure is quick and minimally invasive. Here’s what to expect:

  • The injector cleanses the treatment area and may apply numbing cream for comfort.

  • Using a fine needle, the filler is carefully injected into target areas.

  • The process typically takes 15-60 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated.

5. How soon will I see results?

You’ll notice results immediately after the treatment, though swelling and slight redness may temporarily mask the final effect. Once swelling subsides (usually within a week), your enhanced features will be visible.

6. How long do the effects of dermal fillers last?

Results vary depending on the product used and the injection site. Generally, hyaluronic acid fillers last 6-18 months.​

7. Are dermal fillers painful?

Our experienced injectors are trained to properly numb the treatment area to reduce most of the pain and discomfort associated with filler treatements. Additionally, most fillers contain an anesthetic like lidocaine to minimize discomfort. You might feel some pressure or a pinching sensation during the injections, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated.

8. Are there any side effects?

Common side effects include mild swelling, redness, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site. These usually resolve within a few days. Rarely, lumps, infections, or allergic reactions may occur. Your injector will guide you on how to minimize risks.

9. What is the recovery time like?

Recovery is typically brief. Most people return to normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and excessive heat for 24-48 hours. Taking steps to reduce swelling and bruising, like applying cold compresses, helps speed up recovery.

10. Do I need follow-up appointments?

Yes, a follow-up appointment is recommended about two weeks after your treatment. This allows your provider to assess the results, ensure your satisfaction, and make any necessary adjustments. Additionally, some treatments may be spaced out over multiple visits to safely allow the tissue to adjust to the filler volume. 

11. Are dermal fillers safe?

Dermal fillers are FDA-approved and considered safe when administered by a trained and licensed professional. Be sure to choose an experienced injector to reduce risks and ensure the best results.

12. What’s the difference between dermal fillers and tox?

While both are injectable treatments, they serve different purposes. Botox relaxes muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles, like crow’s feet and frown lines. Dermal fillers add volume and fill in static wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds or sunken cheeks.

13. Can dermal fillers reverse signs of aging?

Fillers can effectively reduce the appearance of aging by replacing lost volume, smoothing deep wrinkles, and contouring facial features. While they don’t reverse aging, they provide a more youthful and refreshed appearance.​​

14. What do dermal fillers cost?

Dermal filler is sold in half syringe and full syringe amounts. A half syringe costs $450 and a full syringe costs $800. It is possible to store unused filler to be used by the client at a later date, making it a popular option to buy a full syringe and use it as needed over a period of time. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Platelet-Rich Plasma 

1. What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

PRP is a treatment that uses your own blood to rejuvenate the skin and promote collagen production. The process involves separating platelets and plasma from your blood using a centrifuge. The PRP is then injected back into targeted areas to enhance skin texture, reduce signs of aging, or add volume.

2. How does PRP work?

Platelets in your blood are rich in growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and collagen production. When injected into the skin, PRP promotes natural healing, improves skin elasticity, and restores youthful volume, making it a natural alternative to dermal fillers.

3. What areas can PRP treat?

PRP is versatile and can treat various concerns, including:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles

  • Acne scars

  • Dark under-eye circles

  • Uneven skin tone or texture

  • Thinning hair (as a separate treatment for hair restoration)

  • Achieving an overall rejuvenated appearance

4. What does the PRP procedure involve?

The PRP treatment follows these steps:

  1. A small amount of your blood is drawn, usually from your arm.

  2. The blood is processed in a centrifuge to isolate platelets and plasma.

  3. The PRP is injected into targeted areas of the face or skin using a fine needle.
    The procedure typically takes about 45–60 minutes.

5. Is PRP painful?

Most people experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. A topical numbing cream is applied to the skin beforehand to ensure comfort. You may feel a slight pinch or pressure during the injections.

6. How soon will I see results?

Results develop gradually as your body’s natural healing process takes place. You may start noticing improvements in skin texture and volume after a few weeks, with optimal results visible at around 3–4 months.

7. How long do the effects of PRP last?

The effects of PRP treatments can last up to 12–18 months, depending on your individual skin condition, lifestyle, and the number of sessions completed. Regular maintenance treatments are recommended to sustain results.

8. How many PRP treatments will I need?

For best results, a series of 3 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart is typically recommended. Your provider will create a personalized plan based on your goals and needs.

9. Are there any side effects?

PRP is generally safe since it uses your own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. Mild side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site, which usually subside within a few days. Rarely, minor infections or temporary bumps may occur.

10. Is there any downtime after PRP treatment?

PRP requires little to no downtime. You may experience mild redness or swelling for the first 24–48 hours, but most clients can return to daily activities immediately after the procedure. Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and direct sun exposure for 24 hours post-treatment.

11. Can PRP replace dermal fillers?

While PRP is an excellent natural alternative to dermal fillers, it enhances skin over time, rather than providing immediate volume like fillers do. If you’re seeking gradual, natural improvement without the use of synthetic substances, PRP may be a better choice for you.

12. Who is a good candidate for PRP?

PRP is ideal for clients who want a natural option to rejuvenate their skin, improve texture, or achieve subtle volume enhancement. It’s not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as blood disorders, or those currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

13. How is PRP different from dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers provide instant volume to specific areas with synthetic substances like hyaluronic acid. PRP, on the other hand, uses your body's natural healing processes to enhance skin gradually. The results are subtle and build up over time.

14. Do I need follow-up appointments?

Yes, follow-up treatments are recommended for optimal results. Your provider will schedule additional sessions based on your treatment plan and check your progress during follow-ups.

15. Is PRP safe?

Yes, PRP is considered very safe because it uses your own blood, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or adverse effects. Choosing a licensed and experienced provider ensures the procedure is performed safely and effectively.

If you have more questions or would like to schedule a consultation, we’d be happy to assist you!

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