Many times my patients come in asking for me to make them more symmetrical.  They don’t like their imperfections-one fuller cheek, their higher brow, or their lower side lip.  While I have been known to be a creature of symmetry myself and steer clear of dresses that come off one shoulder, I try to encourage myself to embrace a little asymmetry every now and then.

Did you know asymmetry gives you character? Here is Marilyn Monroe…epitome of beauty!  Did you know she was an asymmetric hot mess?

The middle is her real picture….the left is symmetry with two left sides and the far right is symmetry with to right sides of the face.  Two beauty marks? Spooky huh? It does not even look like the same person!

As we get older, the changes will be more noticeable, but you have to remember the face ages as sisters not twins. It is two separate halves.  We are not genetically programmed to age symmetrically.  And if we throw in the daily variables of sun exposure on the driver’s size window and squishing our face in our pillow as we sleep, we could really speed up one side! WTH?

So while I will always help you get more symmetry, please learn to love that slightly crooked brow!  Think about this: most movie stars are crooked in some way!  It apparently makes you more memorable..and that makes you more beautiful!  Check out this website for more details and some fun pics! click here

MUAH! Loralee

#Beauty #Loralee #PeaceLoveBotox

       Asymmetry Photo from changesplasticsurgery.com

I have this conversation with patients several times over the day….“Are Botox and Dysport the same? What is the difference? How much do they cost? “The answer is yes and no!   Confusing I know.

So here is the low down….

Size: There is no magic ratio, but I consider 1 unit of Botox to equal 2.5 u of Dysport.  So, 20 units of Botox will be around 50 u of Dysport. ( This would be a standard dose in the area between the eyebrows.)  They are not 1:1 and if anyone tells you otherwise, you are being under treated! The molecule of Dysport is smaller so you need more of it. Also because of the size, there is more of a possibility that Dysport will feather or disperse beyond the treatment area.  This can aide in my treatment protocol if I would like my neuromodulator to spread over the treatment area. However, it could cause some concern if I really need it to be fixed.

Price: This can be confusing as well especially when someone is advertising Dysport prices and calling it Botox.  I charge $12 per unit for the Botox and $4.80 for unit of Dysport because I am truly charging by the Dysport unit. The way I generate a price is $12/2.5! Some practices try to make them “equal” and charge $12 each, but this is not the case.  You are still getting way more Dysport units than Botox units if they are treating you correctly.

Longevity:  They should last around the same time.  I truly feel it depends on the individual.

Onset of action:  Some people feel Dysport kicks in faster, but I feel there are mixed reviews on it.  Again, I feel this is based on the individual.

My overall opinion: If someone really likes that stiff feel or has really stubborn muscles, I recommend Botox.   If someone does not want a stiff feel and desires more motion, I recommend Dysport.  Everyone in between, I feel could go with either product and encourage everyone to try both.  They both have great Rewards Programs and are owned by very good companies!

So, give them both a try!  You ca decide if YOU have a favorite! Hope to see you soon! Loralee

#Botox #SouthTampa #Ultherapy

New Beauty did a story on Looking Younger with fat a few years back.  You can see their full article at http://www.newbeauty.com/hottopic/slideshow/37-defy-aging-with-fat.  They have several Canfield Simulated photos like the one above.

I have said for years to my patients that you can’t be super fit and be aging gracefully.  My exact words are “face or fanny? You can’t have both…naturally!” It’s pretty unfair! Luckily, I have solutions.

With bone and fat loss, we look tired and unfortunately…Old!  Ugh! But, by mimicking restoration of  these 2 aging factors, we can look refreshed and rested.

My choice for replacement of bone and fat loss is Sculptra.  I will use Voluma, but prefer Sculptra for it’s collagen stimulating action. Typically I start with 2 vials of Sculptra and follow up with the patient in 8 week.  At that time, we reassess if more is needed.

So, you can continue your runs on Bayshore, Paleo diet, and Tough Mudders.  You keep working on your bottom line….Leave the face to me!  I’ll help you look rested and refreshed in no time!  I want you looking as young as you feel! Cya soon! Loralee

I often get patients asking me get to get rid of these asymmetrical wrinkles on their face.  I usually hand them a mirror to get them to animate and demonstrate that they are not from repeated motion.  I then ask them what side of the face they sleep on.  I then start mashing on their face and demonstrating what smashing their face in the pillow does.  Ouch! Almost 100% of the time, it’s that side!  It’s so unfair that during the safest time of our day, when we are restoring the rest of our body, we are damaging our face, especially if we are a side or stomach sleeper.

So roll on that back and try to stay off the face, so you don’t get these:

Because They are hard to fix!

#wrinkles #sleep #beauty