Uptown Med Spa
36 Main Street, Suite 104 in Park Ridge
PRUptownMedSpa.com
847-696-7282

Q: Tell us a bit about Uptown Med Spa.

A: Uptown Med Spa is a stunning new addition to Main Street in Uptown Park Ridge. We pride ourselves on being woman physician-owned, with the doctor always on site doing procedures and supporting the philosophy that natural-looking enhancements are key to a graceful aging process.

We understand that each individual has their own aesthetic vision, and we tailor each aesthetic treatment to that individual. Using the best products and equipment on the market and understanding that safety and patient concerns are essential to successful treatments, we can provide beautiful results and long-lasting client relationships.

Q: OK, let’s dispel the rumors about Botox. What are some of the stories or crazy questions you’ve heard?

A: Luckily, Botox (and other neurotoxins such as Dysport and Xeomin) are common language in today’s society, and the majority of patients are familiar with how these botulinum toxins work. Botulinum toxin A (Botox) is actually a protein that was originally derived from a bacteria that causes botulism, but it cannot cause this illness or any symptoms of this illness by itself.

None of my clients have yet to surprise me with questions, and every question — no matter how ridiculous it may sound to some — is taken very seriously and answered with sincere, science-supported knowledge. Every client who comes in for Botox treatment will get a thorough explanation — and even a quick anatomical and biochemical lesson on how it works!

Every question from clients — no matter how ridiculous it may sound to some — is taken very seriously and answered with sincere, science-supported knowledge.

Q: Besides general aging, what are some of the more common causes of facial lines?

A: What most clients (and even myself prior to getting certified in this specialty) think is that most facial lines come from the outer layer of skin (epidermis), when actually “wrinkles” are caused by reduction of collagen and elastin in the dermal layer, as well as repeated muscle contraction.

We can temporarily stop the muscles in certain areas of the face from contracting with Botox, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles caused by muscle contraction, and can smooth out the dermal layer in other areas with the gentle addition of hyaluronic acid fillers.

Q: For the novice, can you explain how exactly Botox works to cure these issues?

A: Botulinum toxin A is injected into the muscle in small quantities, referred to as “units.” The neurotoxin protein then travels to the neuromuscular junction, where the actual “firing” of the muscle occurs, blocking this junction and inhibiting the muscle from contracting. Unfortunately our human bodies are pretty sophisticated, so after about three months, the muscle realizes there is an issue and removes the botulinum toxin protein.

Photo by Marcelo Matarazzo

Q: How have you seen a client’s attitude change after Botox treatments?

A: It’s amazing how much change a person can see with these treatments! People look in the mirror and see a more relaxed and refreshed version of themselves!

Aesthetic medicine is really starting to navigate towards natural enhancements like plasma-rich protein injections. The body has a tremendous ability to heal itself.

Q: Is there anything new or exciting in the rejuvenating skincare world that current or potential clients should know about?

A: Aesthetic medicine is really starting to navigate towards natural enhancements. The body has a tremendous ability to heal itself. We offer plasma-rich protein injections, which are becoming extremely popular.

With this procedure, we draw a patient’s blood and centrifuge it to obtain their plasma, which is full of healing elements, essentially creating an injectable filler straight from the patient’s own body. This is referred to as PRP. It is then injected into areas of the face, such as the under eye, stimulating the body to produce new collagen and elastin over then next few weeks, which improves skin color and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It’s like magic!