YOUR GUIDES

TO ALL THINGS AESTHETICS

When it comes to knowing how many units of filler you need, what treatments best address your concerns, or even what things like filler and tox actually are, we’re breaking it all down.

CHOOSE WHICH GUIDE IS RIGHT FOR YOU:

Filler


  • The longevity of dermal fillers can vary depending on the type of product used and the area treated. On average, most hyaluronic acid-based fillers last between 6 to 18 months. However, individual results may vary based on your metabolism, lifestyle, and skin condition.

  • Dermal fillers are a non-surgical treatment primarily used to add volume, shape, and proportion to the face because, as we age, we lose volume via bone loss and fat loss. At The Luminary, we offer Juvederm, Restylane, and Versa hyaluronic acid filler.

  • Hyaluronic acid filler is a dissolvable gel, making it the safest filler on the market. There are many different types of filler, and your provider will complete an assessment and determine which type of filler will best meet your needs and goals.

What filler treatments do you offer?

The Lum Lip


Lip filler adds volume to lips. The Luminary uses hyaluronic acid to help compliment your natural shape; no duck lips allowed! The Lum Lip is one of our most popular treatments.

The Cheeky


Cheek filler is contour that doesn't wash off. It supports the midface, improving under the eyes and nasolabial folds (smile lines). Cheek filler indicated to last 2+ years.

The Lower Face/Jawline Rejuvenation


Sharpen your jawline, soften jowling, reduce marionette lines with lower face filler. Perfect for men and women wanting to enhance their lower face. 

The Chin


This is perfect for those with a “weak” or recessed chin. Enhancing the chin can bring balance to the face and contour to the profile. Chin filler is indicated to last 2+ years. 

The Pout + The Cheeky


A match made in heaven. Get the ultimate refresh by combining our two most popular services! Cheek and lip filler will be done tastefully to enhance the entire face. 

The Luminary Signature Full Facial Balancing


The Luminary’s signature treatment - Full facial balancing and harmonization! Your provider will complete a full facial assessment and balancing treatment to your lips, cheeks, chin, jawline, smile lines, straw/smoker’s lines, marionette lines, jowls, etc.

The Pout + Chin Balancing


The perfect duo! Many times, chin enhancement is used in conjunction with lip filler to give balance and harmony to the lower face. This can also help soften jowls and marionette lines.

The Cheeky + Chin Balancing


Contour and sharpen your profile with cheek and chin enhancement. Book The Cheeky and The Chin together to save! Filler indicated to last 2+ years.

Filler Dissolving/Correction


Filler can migrate and move into unwanted areas. This commonly occurs around the mouth and tear troughs/under the eyes. Dermal filler can be dissolved with Hylenex. Generally, 1-3 vials of Hylenex are needed per session, and 1-3 sessions are required (depending on how much filler has been injected). 

The Customized Filler Treatment


NOT SURE WHERE TO START?

Book a complimentary consult with a provider for a customized treatment plan. Your provider will review your goals, complete a full face assessment, and advise you on the best treatment.

Peels


  • There is no required downtime following a peel, although we say there is "social downtime." VI peels are medium-depth peels, meaning they penetrate the papillary dermis and chemically resurface the skin, so your skin literally "peels off." You’ll start visibly peeling on day two and continue to peel through day five or six. The peeling process isn't painful, but some feel more comfortable lying low until their peeling is complete.

  • After your VI peel is applied, you'll leave the peel on for four hours. You'll get your skincare for the week, including cleanser, Retin A wipes, post-peel protectant cream, and SPF. We'll also advise you to download the VI Peel app to easily follow post-peel instructions. You'll need to avoid sun exposure, heat, saunas, hot tubs, and excessive sweating until peeling is complete.

  • YES. It’s our absolute favorite combination treatment with the best results! The combo treatment really makes your skin glow. And the best part—the peel helps numb your skin before your injections!

  • The Luminary offers five different types of medical-grade chemical peels. The peels are made of synergistic ingredients that each focus on certain concerns. Most peels include a combination of acids, including trichloroacetic acid (TCA), retinoic acid, salicylic acid, and kojic acid, in addition to vitamin C and hydroquinone.

  • All the peels contain phenol, which helps numb the skin. The chemical peels require 6-8 passes over the skin. After the first pass, it's normal to feel light burning until the phenol begins working. There is no pain post-peel or during peeling.

  • While you'll see results after your first peel, most commonly, 2-4 peels are needed for desired results. Once you've gotten to your desired results, peels should be done quarterly to maintain results.

Skincare


  • Let’s start with the ABCs of skincare, the three essentials everyone needs in their skincare routine. They are Vitamin A (Retinol), Broad Spectrum SPF, and Vitamin C.

  • Vitamin A works at a cellular level to increase cell turnover and collagen. The more collagen we have, the younger we look. Vitamin A also treats acne, fine lines/wrinkles, texture irregularities, dark spots, and congested pores. Basically, it's liquid gold.

  • Prescription-strength tretinoin will give you the best results but can be irritating, while ZO Retinol Skin Brightener is the highest-strength over-the-counter retinol and is less irritating. And for those with sensitive skin, ZO BrightAlive is very gentle and supports a brighter, more even complexion.

  • SPF is your BFF. 80% of visible facial aging is related to sun exposure? SPF is the most important part of your skincare lineup. EltaMD sunscreen is formulated to protect your skin from UVA, UVB, infrared, and blue light. You can choose between purely physical (mineral) sunscreen or a blend of physical and chemical sunscreen.

  • It all comes down to ingredients! Medical-grade components make up 99% of the product, allowing for deeper skin penetration and more effective results. While over-the-counter skincare may be less expensive, it often uses lower-quality ingredients, sacrificing effectiveness and the confidence that comes with clear, healthy skin. With medical skincare, you're investing in yourself and powerful, proven solutions for your skin.

Tox


  • Short Answer: NOW.

    Long(er) Answer: it’s never too early to start getting toxin. The perfect time is right before static lines start developing, but since we don’t have a crystal ball to know when those will start sticking, it’s better to prevent them! Relaxing your muscles long term can cause muscle atrophy (weakening) over time and actually prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place (And bonus! Less tox is needed for atrophied muscles). It’s also never too late to start, but you'll likely need a few sessions over a period of months to get the results you want.

    Anti-wrinkle treatment is a marathon, not a sprint.

  • Not much. They're both amazing wonder drugs.

    Think of "Puffs" vs. "Kleenex.” Two brands that do essentially the same thing. They’re both neurotoxins and have the same active ingredient (Botulinum toxin Type A). Botox usually takes about 7-9 days to take effect, while Dysport takes about 2-3 days.

    The peak effect for both is about 14 days. They cost the same and generally last the same amount of time. It is all about personal preference. We encourage our patients to try both to see which they prefer.

  • Botox and Dysport are purified proteins that block the signals from our nerves to tell our muscles to contract or move. They essentially paralyze or relax muscles, causing the overlying skin to relax and wrinkles to soften.

  • Neurotoxin lasts anywhere from 3-4 months. Longevity depends on many factors, including toxin dose used, metabolism, skin care, sun exposure, the severity of wrinkles, stress, and activity level.

  • The Luminary uses syringes and needles specifically created for facial injections. The needles are very small and created for comfort. Most patients say they experience a little pinprick sensation. It's normal to feel nervous, but your injector will walk you through step by step and ensure you are comfortable!

  • Botox and Dysport take a few days to start taking effect. Immediately after your toxin appointment, you should avoid strenuous exercise, massages, lying down (for 4 hours), wearing hats/headbands (if forehead was treated), and facials.

    It’s common for refinement to be needed (especially after your first appointment), so we always follow up with our patients in two weeks. The most common side effect is a mild headache following treatment.

  • YES. It’s our absolute favorite combination treatment with the best results! The combo treatment really makes your skin glow. And the best part—the peel helps numb your skin before your injections!

What tox treatments do you offer?

Glabella


TYPICAL DOSE: 20 - 30 UNITS

Seeing those "angry lines" or "11s" between your eyebrows? Our Glabella treatment offers a gentle lift, softening those lines and ensuring your expressions are more "hello sunshine!" and less "Not today, please."

Forehead + Glabella


TYPICAL DOSE: 30 - 40 UNITS

Treating this area helps smooth the lines that get etched into your forehead. This is the perfect area to get a light sprinkle of neurotoxin, giving your skin an overall glow. No more worrying about makeup settling into lines!  To treat your forehead, your glabella must also be treated to prevent drooping brows. 

TYPICAL DOSE: 20 - 30 UNITS

Smiling, laughing, squinting—they’re a part of life. But crow’s feet don't have to be. Our treatment still allows for natural movement while opening your eyes more, giving you a refreshed and awake appearance.


Crow’s Feet

Bunny Lines


TYPICAL DOSE: 4 - 8 UNITS

Some people recruit from their nasalis (nose muscle) when smiling or frowning, causing fine lines. This area is the perfect add-on!

Brow Lift


TYPICAL DOSE: 4 - 8 UNITS

Treating this area helps lift the lateral brow, giving you a nice arched shape. It’s my firm belief everyone can benefit from a subtle liquid brow lift!  Best results when treated with frown lines. 

Lip Flip


TYPICAL DOSE: 4 - 8 UNITS

Our Lip Flip treatment places toxin strategically around the mouth to relax the muscles slightly, flipping out the lip and revealing more of the pink area. It's especially beneficial if your lip tends to curl under when you smile.

Smile Lift


TYPICAL DOSE: 2 - 6 UNITS

Suffering from RBF? This will help turn your frown upside down! Treating this area helps lift your smile and prevents the downward “tugging” many suffer from.

Chin


TYPICAL DOSE: 3 - 5 UNITS

Treating this area can help soften dimpling, help project the chin and smooth the surrounding skin.