Separating fact from fiction…about Botox, Dermal Fillers & Micro-Needling

What is the difference? 

Micro-needling is an exciting, newer skin treatment in the aesthetic industry, also known as collagen induction therapy. Using a micro-needling pen, the dermatologist, NP, Nurse or AEsthetician will puncture tiny holes in the top of dermis part of the skin, prompting the skin to stimulate collagen production, which then fills in fine lines, plumping the skin, and contributing to an overall youthful look. It is also used for breaking up scar tissue, cystic acne, millia, spider veins, sun/age spots as well as other types of hyperpigmentation. Special serums can be used to infuse in the skin during the treatment to double and triple boost collagen production. Common serums used are (HA) hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C and stem cell growth factors.   

Injectable Dermal Filler is a soft tissue filler injected into the dermis or below the dermis of the skin to help fill in facial wrinkles, restoring a smoother appearance. Most of these wrinkle fillers are temporary because they are eventually absorbed by the body.  Commonly Dermal Fillers are comprised of a synthetic form of (HA)  Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic acid is found in humans and animals and is in abundance in a plump youthful face but decreases as we age.

Botox, also known as anti-wrinkle injections, uses injections of botulinum toxin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs aging. Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or blocking nerves, thus allowing the filler to plump the skin in the areas of the injection site.

Can they be used together? 

Absolutely! The combination of the “lift” received with dermal filler, combined with the boost of natural collagen production from the micro-needling procedure, can offer an advanced rejuvenation of the face. 

While Botox is not new to the industry, using both micro-needling and Botox together helps patients to not only achieve the glowing skin they’ve always wanted, but when used together, micro-needling can reduce the frequency of Botox injections needed to maintain desired results.

Simply Sweet Skin   

Owner, Tammy Sweet, LE, LALP, LPM, CMA

Board Certified Medical Concierge Practitioner, Angela Herrinton, FNP-C  

(*2nd Thursday of each Month 5-8PM Botox/Dermal Filler Party-Free consult.  No appointment       necessary) 

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Simply Sweet Skin – Simple Secrets

Microneedling also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a hot new trend, popular with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. That’s because it’s minimally invasive yet works wonders on improving skin tone and texture by increasing cellular turnover and reversing the signs of aging.  It breaks up scar tissue, cystic acne, age spots, sun spots, spider veins and reduces pore size as well.  It’s by far the best investment and more bang for your buck!  

Microneedling involves a clinically trained aesthetician like myself using a handheld “pen” device equipped with tiny needles to create microscopic punctures in your top layer of skin. I look for erythema and pin point bleeding for optimal results. Your body responds to these “injuries” by creating new collagen and elastin – the compounds that give you skin smoothness, elasticity, and firmness. Find out why everyone is flocking to have this procedure performed, and loving their results! 

Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

In just a few sessions, microneedling significantly reduces the appearance of fine lines, crow’s feet, and deep wrinkles. It uses the body’s own healing abilities to create dramatic change in the skin. Because it stimulates elastin, microneedling can also help tighten loose skin that occurs with aging. I tell my clients that it’s “better than Botox”.  It’s definitely more affordable and results are naturally permanent.  

Reverses sun damage and pigmentation

The collagen stimulation that occurs with microneedling can help reverse damage your skin has experienced due to sun exposure. It can also improve the blotchy, brownish look of melasma. Just a few sessions create a clearer, more glowing younger appearance of your complexion.

Shrinks your pores

You might think making tiny punctures in your skin creates the illusion of larger pores, but microneedling does just the opposite. When the needles stimulate collagen around your pores, they plump and actually appear smaller – sometimes even closed.

Good for all skin types

Microneedling is appropriate for all skin colors and types. It works on darker skin, which sometimes doesn’t do well with laser resurfacing.

Microneedling can also be personalized, effectively addressing areas where skin damage requires a little more attention. In addition to improving overall skin texture, it can reduce the appearance of scars, dark spots (hyperpigmentation), cystic acne, pore size, spider veins and stretch marks.

It’s minimally invasive

Yes, microneedling involves poking holes in your skin, but they’re super tiny – needles range from 0.5 to 3 millimeters in diameter similar to acupuncture needles.  Prior to the procedure, you’re given a topical anesthetic numbing to ease the sensations of the needles. You get great results with minimal discomfort and no real down time. You may experience some redness immediately after treatment, but it usually subsides within 12-24 hours.

It’s effective all over

Microneedling treatments aren’t reserved for the face only. You can have microneedling done almost anywhere that needs some repair of acne scars, stretch marks, or discoloration. Discuss the possibility of having microneedling done on the back, chest, or buttocks, legs, arms, hands etc.

Safer than lasers

Microneedling offers the same positive effects as laser treatments, without the potential of burning the skin. Unlike with laser resurfacing, microneedling leaves the protective epidermis intact, which reduces the risk of infection. Microneedling is also easier for the patient and less expensive. Most people say it feels like a slight sun burn for the first 12-24 hours.  

Improves delivery of serums and creams

Only about 4-8% of your skin products actually penetrate your skin. Microneedling intensifies the effectiveness of serums, or other rejuvenating products you apply to the skin. The micro wounds produced by the needles act like channels that allow these formulas to deliver deep into several layers – enhancing their effects. I offer a few different concentrated serums based on your needs. (Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Stem Cell, Vitamin C & Growth Factor Serums) 

Simply Sweet Skin Collagen Induction Therapy prices start at $150 for basic microneedling with HA+serum(s).  I’m advanced trained on micro pigmentation and European methods of microneedling  so I utilize several different techniques than most of the typical medical aesthetics offices.  I promise my prices are the best around and if you find this procedure somewhere cheaper bring the ad in  and I’ll match it!    Book online 24/7 @ www.simplysweetskin.global; Like & share my Facebook Page, leave me a good review, type done in the comments and I’ll send you a coupon in messenger for a discount!  

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Skin Resurfacing w/Microdermabrasion

My first "Simple Secrets" blog about treatments is dedicated to a facial procedure that’s been around for a while, but is still very effective as a stand-alone treatment or as an add-on or pre-treatment together with a micro needling , or oxgygen facial, or IPL...I'm talking about “Microdermabrasion”, also known as microderm, for those who aren’t familiar with this procedure; Microderm is one of the easiest, safest and most effective anti-aging treatments you can get. It has many benefits!  It softens fine lines and wrinkles, helps to smooth coarsely textured skin, decreases the appearance of shallow scars, decreases pore size, and reduces superficial hyper-pigmentation, also known as age spots.  Microdermabrasion also makes it easier for serums and skin care products to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin.  That helps build collagen, which gives skin its plump, youthful appearance.  

What Happens During a Treatment?

Your skin will first be cleansed with a cleanser appropriate to your skin type.  (2x for a deep cleanse) then using the microdermabrasion wand I'll smoothly go over your skin in a pattern that will exfoliate, I'll will then use toner that will regulate the skins pH's and apply a serum and moisture occlusive to help hydrate the skin.   The entire procedure should take 60 minutes. 

Is There Any Downtime After a Treatment?

Microdermabrasion is a safe and gentle procedure with no downtime. The client will need to protect his or her skin with moisturizer and sun block for 48 hours after the treatment and may experience mild redness and sloughing/peeling. However, the client can return to work immediately, which is why many clients prefer to have microdermabrasion treatments on their lunch breaks since there is no downtime.

How Many Treatments Do I Need?

When it comes to microdermabrasion, one treatment will not provide instant results for deep issues but you will see and feel instant results for more topical issues like black heads and pour size. For deeper issues it is important to have a series of microdermabrasion services, 3 to 6 are recommended for the best results. These initial 3 to 6 treatments can be spaced one week apart, and from that point, the client can continue to receive one treatment on a monthly basis for the best maintenance. 

The Science - How does a microdermabrasion treatment work on the skin?

The thickness of the epidermis is increased because new cells are being produced more rapidly and the cells themselves are larger and healthier. The cells of the lower layers of the epidermis are knitted tighter in a more consistent “basket weave” configuration, instead of a haphazard arrangement. The barrier function of the epidermis is disrupted for the first 24 to 48 hours causing the skin to be drier than usual. During the cell reproduction of cells the fibroblasts that make up the collagen fibers are increased and are thicker more tightly packed and more organized. The number of elastin fibers also increased and they are orientated vertically instead of horizontally giving the dermal layer more “spring” that is usually referred to as elasticity.  

What results can I expect?

Depending on the area treated, you will notice an improvement in your skin’s appearance after your first treatment. Stretch marks and acne scars will be less obvious. Age spots and fine lines are reduced, and many Microdermabrasion clients report that their skin seems softer, tighter, smoother and younger looking. Overall, microdermabrasion will reduce the appearance of wrinkles, remove acne scars, clear up blackheads, minimize the size of the pores, reduce sun damage, and even out the skin tone. Microdermabrasion also helps to boost collagen production to provide firming and toning to the complexion.

Is Microdermabrasion Good For Acne Scarring?

By removing the top layer of the skin, professional micro abrasion diminishes or even removes superficial acne scarring. Deeper acne scarring requires a more invasive procedure, like a deep chemical peel or micro needling.   

What is the difference between Crystal Microdermabrasion and Diamond Microdermabrasion?

The regular crystal microdermabrasion technology involves the use of a special, hand-held device that propels a high-speed flow of aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin. At the same time, the machine’s vacuum system sucks away dirt, dead cells and used crystals.

For optimal results, the pairing of chemical peels, micro needling, IPL laser or Oxygen facial and a microderm together is a like having a nonsurgical mini facelift! The cost of 1 miroderm is currently $75 or $50 as an add-on treatment.  I consider it the best and most effective treatment for maintenance...kind of an insurance. After all don't you want to protect the investment of other procedures on your skin? 

Tammy Sweet, LE, LALP, LPM, CMA
Simply Sweet Skin
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     Hi blogging world!  It was recommended to me that I start a blog for my business to help educate clients and build search engine optimization (SEO).  I guess the first thing I should do is introduce my self and give you a little background information about how I got to this point in my life...

     My name is Tammy Gunter Sweet, I recently opened Simply Sweet Skin, my Clinical AEsthetics Practice in Peachtree City, GA.  I'll explain shortly what clinical aesthetics means, but first let me tell you about me - I was born and raised just south of Atlanta in a very humble simple christian middle class family. I graduated from Riverdale Senior High (back when it was the country).  I have a huge extended family; most who still live south of Atlanta.  (my grandmother was 1 of 11 & my grandfather was 1 of 13 and that's just my mothers side).  I started working at Delta Airlines in the Information Technology department at 18 years old while attending Clayton State College for business-because there was no such thing as an I.T. Degree back then.  I married and had 2 children in my mid 20's. After 15 years, I decided to quit and stay home with my children.  There were several reasons for this decision, but primarily because the once "Delta Family" no longer existed in I.T., flight benefits were becoming impossible to use with a family of 4 and my then husband was offered a position making a lot more money but required travel.  There was no way I could work a full time job (already at a glass ceiling) with two young children and a spouse that  was not home much to help.  It literally took me about 3 years to make the decision to give up my career.  It was a big decision for me because I had always felt that I was an independent woman and it scared the hell out of me to know that I would be largely dependent on someone else to be the bread winner.  Looking back, my gut was correct and I should have been scared to depend on someone else, but I have no regrets on that decision because I was lucky enough to be very involved with my kids lives!  My investment in them was truly my dream and I feel it was the reason that God put me on this Earth.  

I raised my 2 wonderful children in Peachtree City and am proud to say they are both successful young adults that don't need me much anymore.  Many people refer to Peachtree City as "the bubble" because according to their website, it's a an award wining master planned community founded in 1959.  There's about 90 miles of golf cart path and 3 golf courses.  There's a diverse population from all over the world, beautifully maintained residential, commercial and community services. The schools are always in the top of the educational report cards (https://schoolgrades.georgia.gov) which indirectly is great for property value.  I always say I wasn't a very good stay at home mom because I never stayed at home.  At first, I think I had a hard time fitting in with the moms that didn't have careers prior like I did so I just jumped in and started volunteering for everything at the schools, team mom, coach, booster club president (for 7 years) etc.  I did substitute teach and work for our consulting business on an as needed basis when the kids were a little older. I also started a network marketing business and made it to the top levels.  Did I  mention we had a lot of animals over the years????   I loved being the house that all the kids hung out at...that way I knew where my kids were and who they were with. So as you can see I might not have been a very good "stay at home mom" but I was without a doubt involved with everything they did.  


     Several of those years, I helped take care of our aging parents too.   A few weeks after my mom passed away and my youngest went away to college my husband sent me a text telling me to check my email.  Yep - you guessed it...I had a word .doc attachment letter that said he was divorcing me and would not be staying at our house any more.  I was blind sided to say the least!  See I was born and raised southern Baptist, "for better or for worse".  I honestly thought we were just getting to the point in life where we could slow down and work on the marriage, but he had other plans, which didn't include me.  I DIGRESS...that's another story and probably more of a book not a blog!   
     
     Anyway, I found myself in my mid 40's looking to go back to corporate America.  While looking for I.T. jobs I realized, I'd been out of I.T. for 10+ years so I would need to go back to school because it had changed.  I decided if I was going back to school then I was going back for something that I wanted to learn.  I spent a few months researching careers that interested me and would take the least amount of school but make enough money to support myself-probably for the rest of my life because I do not plan to ever get married again!  I looked at paralegal, court reporter etc. but I kept coming back to Medical Aesthetics.  I enrolled and finished in 4 semesters.  I loved learning everything I could while working on my Esthetics License (4.0 is easy when you love what you are learning)   Yes, it was a little awkward at first being the oldest student but I bonded with the other students and instructors.  We've kept in touch and I feel we are now life long friends!  I even recently went back and helped teach a semester in the lab for esthetics.   I took every extra advanced certification class possible and stayed in college for 2+ more years in Health Science.  I'm not done with all the degrees I want to finish but there is more education in my plans. 

     In the state of GA Esthetics is the program for a License.  There's several careers one can pursue...medical aesthetics, spa esthetics, make up artist (wedding, photography), media make up and   fantasy make up artist (movie set i.e. walking dead type) to name a few. In the industry, Aesthetics with an A is medical and Esthetics with an E is everything else and falls under Cosmetology.  In Europe Medical Aesthetics is a 4 year degree and Esthetics is a 2 year degree. Cidesco is the international diploma needed for work anywhere in the world. (cruise ships, resorts, movie sets in other countries etc)  In the U.S. every state is different for number of clinical hours needed to complete an esthetics license and some states have "master licenses" for advanced continuing education hours.  

     I chose the Medical Aesthetics path and have multiple advanced clinical certifications.  Not to bore you, but I'll list them so you'll know what they stand for...
LE, Licensed Esthetician; 
LALP, Licensed Assistant Laser Practitioner; 
LPM, Licensed Permanent Micropigmentation (i.e. PMU-Permanent Makeup  microshading/microblading);  
CMA, Certified Medical/Nurse Assistant (required for nursing);  
Other certifications include:  micro needling; skin resurfacing which includes-Advanced Chemical Peels, Dermaplane, Microdermabrasion, Blood Born Pathogens & Medical CPR to name a few);  

    After several years of working part time with an expert in the PMU field and running a large Medical Aesthetics office for a doctor I decided to open my own Clinical Aesthetics Practice.  The difference between a spa esthetician and clinical aesthetician is I primarily work on corrective issues.  My RX plan for each client will include making a difference for their concerns...anti-aging, acne, scars, dermatitis issues, internal health and how it is related to our external skin beauty etc.  


     Before ending my first blog, I want to shout out to Andrea Stephens Dunn for all of her help & support over the last few years!  I'll be eternally grateful for her expertise and direction in the PMU field!  Although I'll never be able to be the natural born artist that she is I'm truly thankful for her sharing her experience with me. My office is in the same building and area with Andrea and Val. Val is another important business person that I need to thank for being a  great leader/friend over the last few years!   

     I will post regularly focusing on different treatments/procdeures and business plans; Hope everyone enjoys reading it.  Happy April TAX week everyone! xoxoxo


Tammy Sweet, LE, LALP, LPM, CMASimply Sweet Skin, LLC
2581 Hwy 54 Suite C
Peachtree City, Ga 30269

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