Frequently Asked Questions


What kind of downtime is required with a laser procedure?

Ranging from zero downtime to 3-5 days.

There is absolutely no downtime with the Titan IPL, Photofacial and Laser Genesis.

The Fraxel Re:Store typically results in 3-5 days of redness and swelling (similar to what would be seen with a sunburn.

Are the laser procedures painful?

With the Titan IPL, Photofacial and Laser Genesis, there is a sensation of heat, occasionally a snapping or pinching sensation.

The Fraxel Re:Store can be painful if performed without the use of a topical anesthetic containing lidocaine. With the use of the anesthetic, the discomfort can range, on a pain scale, from 0-3 out of 10.

Are the laser treatments safe?

Yes, in the hands of a properly trained physician and the use of properly fitted eye protection, these laser treatments are safe.

Fraxel laser treatments have an excellent safety record with more than 800,000 treatments performed.

There is extensive clinical and tissue research and ongoing clinical trials surrounding all of the laser skin rejuvenation options offered by Sterling Aesthetics.

How many laser treatments are required?

On average, 3-5 treatments are optimal. This will ultimately be determined based on the goals of the client and the amount of damage requiring correction.



How does BOTOX® work to improve the appearance of wrinkles?

Wrinkles result from a combination of many factors, cellular changes, collagen depletion, damage caused by free radicals and primarily repeated contractions of specific muscles of the face. When you frown or concentrate, the muscles between your brows contract, causing your skin to furrow and fold. And when you squint, the muscles around your eyes contract and cause crow’s feet. Raising the eyebrows can cause lines to form across the forehead.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into very specific muscles beneath the skin’s surface to target the underlying muscle activity that causes these lines to form over time.

By relaxing these muscles, there is a reduction in the appearance of those lines.

Which areas of the face are typically treated with BOTOX®?

Forehead, Crow’s feet and frown lines between the eyebrows (“the 11’s”)

How long does the treatment take to perform?

Dr. Kittredge will discuss your treatment goals and perform a facial analysis to determine the appropriate treatment areas and amount of botox necessary to address your concerns. The actual injection process takes about 10 minutes.

When will I see results from the BOTOX® treatment?

It is not uncommon to have no visible change for the first 3 days,

Results are typically noticed within the first 3-7 days with max results at 14 days.

Results are variable.

Does the BOTOX® injection hurt?

Some clients report that being injected with BOTOX® Cosmetic feels like a pinch. The discomfort is typically quite minimal and easily tolerated. If you are concerned about discomfort, your Dr Kittredge can apply a topical anesthetic before your treatment.

How long does the effect of BOTOX® last?

Botox typically lasts 3-4 months.

How safe is BOTOX®?


There has not been a confirmed serious case of spread of toxin effect when BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used at the recommended dose to treat muscles of the face for cosmetic purposes.

If you are afflicted with certain medical conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, it is best to avoid the use of BOTOX as you may have increased risk of serious side effects including difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing.

What is JUVÉDERM® and on what areas on the face can it be used?

Juvederm can be used around the mouth and nose (nasolabial folds), corners of the mouth, cheekbone area, lips and to correct skin imperfections such as acne scars.

The area to be treated will determine the type of Juvederm selected.


JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC is the first and only FDA-approved injectable gel to instantly add volume to your cheek area to correct age-related volume loss in adults, restoring contour and giving a subtle lift.

How long does JUVÉDERM® last?

Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus will typically last for up to one year. Results are variable based on individual physiology and lifestyle choices.

Juvederm Voluma will last up to two years with optimal treatment.

Is treatment with JUVÉDERM® XC painful?

There is some slight tolerable discomfort associated with the injections.

Juvederm XC contains lidocaine and Dr. Kittredge also applies an effective topical anesthetic to minimize the discomfort of the injections.

Can JUVÉDERM® be used if I have a Lidocaine allergy?

Yes. Juvederm is also offered without the added lidocaine. Be sure to discuss this with Dr. Kittredge prior to treatment.

The application of ice at the injection site can be used to minimize discomfort.

Is it common to bruise following the injection of dermal fillers?

There are many factors that will determine whether or not a client will develop bruising including use of blood thinning medications, smoking and placement of the dermal filler.

While it is not common to bruise, any bruising that may occur will typically resolve within 3-7 days and can be easily concealed with makeup.