Non-Surgical FAQs

Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati are Plastic Surgeons devoted to advanced techniques in Cosmetic Surgery of the Face, Breast, and Body.

Dysport® / Botox®

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is best - Botox or Dysport?

In our experience, most patients find that Botox and Dysport work equally well, with no noticeable difference between them. However, some patients may respond better to one over the other, which is why we offer both options and leave the choice to the patient's preference. Generally, Dysport is slightly less expensive than Botox, though periodic specials offered by the manufacturers can affect the final cost. Be sure to check the "Specials" page or ask about any current promotions during your office visit.

How long do neuromodulators usually last?


Most patients find that the effects of neuromodulators last between 3 to 6 months. The best results are achieved by re-treating patients before the muscle activity fully returns, preventing the wrinkles from reforming. This approach ensures a consistent appearance, similar to maintaining a regular haircut to avoid noticeable changes in your look.

What areas are treated with neuromodulators?


The most common areas treated with neuromodulators are the forehead, between the eyebrows (glabella), and around the eyes. We also treat muscle bands in the neck and wrinkles on the chin. Over time, we develop customized treatment patterns tailored to each patient’s unique needs, as no two faces are alike. A standardized injection pattern is merely a starting point.

Is it dangerous to have a toxin injected into my body?

Botulinum toxin, used in Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, and similar products, is a naturally occurring compound grown in a lab, much like many pharmaceuticals. The toxin is injected in very small quantities and stays within a few millimeters of the injection site. Your body naturally dissolves the toxin within a few months. We have patients who have been using neuromodulators every three to four months for over twenty years, with the only long-term effect being the prevention of wrinkles in the treated areas.

What are the side effects of neuromodulators?

The most common side effect is bruising, which is related to the injection process rather than the neuromodulator itself. Some areas, such as the smile lines or crow's feet around the eyes, are more prone to bruising than others.

Will I bruise with a neuromodulator treatment?

Usually not, but some individuals are more prone to bruising than others, and some areas are more susceptible. We offer a dermal chiller, which cools the skin immediately before the injection to constrict blood vessels and reduce the risk of bruising.

Who will perform the neuromodulator treatment?

Dr. Kirn, Dr. Al Bayati, and our nurse-injectors perform all neurotoxin treatments. You can choose who will treat you when scheduling your appointment. Each of our providers has performed thousands of successful injections. We use a standardized charting system to ensure consistent treatments, regardless of who performs them, allowing us to accommodate your scheduling needs while maintaining high standards.

Will a neuromodulator treatment hurt?

The needles used for neurotoxin and filler injections are very small, and most patients do not require additional pain relief. However, we offer a dermal chiller to cool the skin at the injection site immediately before treatment, providing a temporary numbing effect for added comfort.

Dermal Fillers

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do fillers last?

We use a variety of fillers, each with different longevity. The area where the filler is placed also significantly affects its duration. On average, Restylane and Juvederm typically last around 6 months, Voluma usually lasts 1-2 years, and Sculptra lasts around 2 years. These are general averages based on our experience with our patients, but longevity can vary significantly from patient to patient and area to area. Many of our patients experience results that exceed these averages.

Which filler should I use?

The selection of a filler is based on several factors, including the area being treated, the depth of the wrinkle, the patient’s skin quality, and their goals. This decision is made collaboratively between the patient and the provider to ensure the best possible results.

What are the side effects of filler treatment?


The most common side effect is bruising. Although we take every precaution to avoid bruising, it can still occasionally occur. Similar to neuromodulator injections, some areas are more prone to bruising than others. Additionally, some swelling is typical after treatment; we provide each patient with an ice pack to use afterward. Swelling usually resolves within a day or two and is typically minor.

Will I need additional filler treatments?


If you enjoy the effects of dermal fillers, you will need additional treatments to maintain the results. With the exception of fat grafting, all dermal fillers will eventually wear off and require re-treatment to sustain the desired appearance.

Are fillers safe?

All the fillers we use are FDA-approved and have undergone extensive safety testing. Our team has collectively performed thousands of safe and successful filler treatments, ensuring the highest standard of care.

What are the best areas for filler treatment?


The most common areas for filler treatment include smile lines, lines at the corners of the mouth, lip lines, and tear trough lines. We also use fillers to enhance or restore lip volume. While many other areas can be treated with fillers, these are less common. A consultation before treatment allows the patient and injector to develop a customized plan tailored to their specific needs.

Who will perform the filler treatment?


Dr. Al Bayati, and our nurse-injectors perform all dermal filler treatments. You have the option to choose who will treat you when scheduling your appointment. Collectively, our providers have successfully performed thousands of injections. We use a standardized charting system within the practice to ensure consistency in treatment, regardless of who performs the procedure, allowing us to accommodate your scheduling needs while maintaining a high standard of care.

Will filler treatment hurt?


All commercially available fillers are injected with a very small needle and contain a numbing agent mixed in. Additionally, we offer pre-injection skin cooling with ice or a dermal chiller device, which creates temporary numbness by cooling the skin at the injection site. Some patients prefer a topical numbing cream, which is also available. For those who need additional comfort, we can perform a nerve block similar to what a dentist uses before working on your teeth.

VersaPulse® Laser

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the VersaPulse® laser treat?

The VersaPulse® laser is effective in treating small blood vessels and red spots on the face and body. It also addresses brown spots and skin discoloration on the face or body. Additionally, the laser can be used for non-invasive skin rejuvenation, known as collagen remodeling, although this typically requires several treatment sessions for optimal results.

Does VersaPulse® treatment hurt?


Most patients describe the sensation of the laser as similar to a pinprick or the snap of a rubber band. Pain tolerance varies greatly from person to person, but for most, no numbing medicine is required. However, numbing options are available for those who prefer to use them for added comfort.

When will I look normal after VersaPulse® treatment?


There is usually some swelling and increased redness of the skin immediately after the treatment. Because of this, VersaPulse® treatments are often scheduled on a Friday, allowing most, if not all, of these temporary effects to subside by Monday.

Will multiple VersaPulse® treatments be necessary?


In general, the laser may not remove every brown spot or vessel in a single session. For patients with numerous brown spots or red vessels, multiple treatments are typically necessary. If you have only a few spots or vessels, one session may be sufficient, though some areas may require re-treatment. Multiple sessions are always recommended for collagen remodeling to achieve the best results.

Sclerotherapy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a treatment where a sclerosant medication is injected into an undesired blood vessel, causing the vessel to clot. Once clotted, the body naturally eliminates the vessel over time. Sclerotherapy is primarily used to treat small leg veins.

What medication is used for sclerotherapy?


At Kirn Plastic Surgery, we exclusively use Asclera® (polidocanol), which is FDA-approved for sclerotherapy. While other medications have been used in the past, we have found Asclera® to be the safest, most effective, and minimally painful option available.

Does sclerotherapy hurt?


Although a tiny needle is used to inject the Asclera®, most patients do not find sclerotherapy to be painful. The legs are not particularly sensitive, and the needles used for the treatment are very small, contributing to the overall comfort of the procedure.

How many sclerotherapy treatments will be needed?


Multiple treatment sessions are usually necessary to achieve optimal results with sclerotherapy. This is because most patients have more vessels to treat than can be addressed in a single session. Additionally, not every vessel that is injected will disappear after the first treatment.

How long does it take for the treated vessels to disappear after sclerotherapy?


Sclerotherapy sessions are typically performed every 4-6 weeks. Most of the vessels that are going to disappear will have done so within that interval.

When is the best time to do sclerotherapy?


We generally recommend starting sclerotherapy in the fall, once the weather cools and shorts or short dresses are no longer worn. Treated vessels often appear worse before they improve, and it takes 4-6 weeks for them to disappear. Since multiple sessions are usually required, it’s best to begin the process early, so it’s complete well before springtime.

Should I have sclerotherapy or laser for my leg veins?


In most cases, we find that sclerotherapy is better suited for treating leg veins, while laser treatments (such as VersaPulse®) are more effective for facial veins.

Is sclerotherapy used on the face?


Yes, sclerotherapy can occasionally be used on the face for vessels that do not respond to laser treatment. However, laser treatments are generally the preferred and most effective option for treating vessels on the face and neck.

Skin Care Services and Peels

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of peels do you offer?

Dr. Kirn performs TCA peels including the Obagi Blue Peel. These are physician strength peels which are effective treatments for sun damaged skin, skin color irregularities, and fine wrinkles. Many different lighter peels are offered through our affiliate practice, Aesthetic Skin Care Center LLC.

How is a chemical peel different from laser resurfacing?

Actually, the two are more similar than different. Both involve removing the top layers of skin, and then the new skin which grows to replace it is more youthful and healthy. The amount (depth) of skin which is removed, either by the laser or chemical, determines the recovery time as well as how much change results. The deeper the wrinkles or problem being treated, the deeper the laser or peel must penetrate to be effective.

Laser Resurfacing

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of laser resurfacing do you offer?

Dr. Kirn performs CO2 laser resurfacing as well as non-ablative resurfacing using the VersaPulse. The latter involves painting the laser beam over the face and neck to tighten the collagen and is performed over several treatment sessions. The advantage to this method is that there is little to no downtime after the treatment. CO2 resurfacing is one of the best wrinkle treatment methods ever developed, but is does come with a significant recovery time for healing.

What type of resurfacing is right for me?

The selection of treatment is as individual as the patient being treated. Our goal is always to achieve the desired outcome by the least invasive means possible. We have found that many folks who present interested in laser resurfacing can be effectively treated using dermal fillers, neurotoxins, light chemical peels and a quality skin care regimen.

Sculptra

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sculptra?


Sculptra is a unique, FDA-approved injectable treatment designed to restore facial volume and stimulate collagen production for a more youthful appearance. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that provide immediate results by adding volume, Sculptra works gradually by encouraging your skin to produce its own natural collagen. This process helps to smooth wrinkles, improve skin texture, and restore lost facial volume over time, leading to long-lasting, natural-looking results

Does Sculptra Hurt?

Sculptra injections are typically well-tolerated, and any discomfort is usually minimal. The treatment area is numbed with a topical anesthetic beforehand, which helps to minimize any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Most patients report feeling only a slight pinch or pressure as the injection is administered.

What is the Recovery Time After Sculptra?


Sculptra has minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to their normal activities almost immediately. You may experience some mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites, but these side effects are usually temporary and subside within a few days. Because Sculptra works gradually, the results develop over a few weeks to months, giving you a natural and subtle enhancement as the collagen builds.

How Often Will I Need Repeat Treatments with Sculptra?


Sculptra is designed to provide long-lasting results, with most patients requiring an initial series of treatments, typically spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. The number of sessions needed varies based on individual goals and the degree of volume loss. After the initial series, maintenance treatments are generally recommended every 1-2 years to sustain the results and continue promoting collagen production. This gradual approach ensures a natural-looking, refreshed appearance over time.

How Often Will I Need Repeat Treatments with Sculptra?


Sculptra is designed to provide long-lasting results, with most patients requiring an initial series of treatments, typically spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. The number of sessions needed varies based on individual goals and the degree of volume loss. After the initial series, maintenance treatments are generally recommended every 1-2 years to sustain the results and continue promoting collagen production. This gradual approach ensures a natural-looking, refreshed appearance over time.

Dermablade

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dermablading?


Dermablading, also known as dermaplaning, is a highly effective exfoliation technique that gently removes dead skin cells and fine facial hair using a specialized surgical scalpel. This non-invasive procedure reveals smoother, brighter skin and enhances the absorption of skincare products. It also helps reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, and uneven skin tone, providing an instant rejuvenation.

Does Dermablading Hurt?


Dermablading is a painless procedure. The scalpel used is very gentle, and most patients describe the sensation as a light brushing against the skin. There is no need for numbing agents, and the treatment is comfortable for the vast majority of patients.

What is the Recovery Time After Dermablading?


One of the great advantages of dermablading is that there is no downtime. Patients can immediately return to their normal activities with a fresh, glowing complexion. Some individuals may experience mild redness right after the procedure, but this typically subsides within a few hours. The results are immediate, making dermablading an ideal treatment for those seeking a quick skin refresh.

Diamond Glow

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Diamond Glow?


Diamond Glow is an advanced skin resurfacing treatment that combines exfoliation, extraction, and infusion to deliver radiant, healthy-looking skin. Using a patented diamond-tipped wand, this non-invasive procedure gently exfoliates the outer layer of the skin while simultaneously extracting impurities and infusing the skin with nourishing serums tailored to your specific needs. Diamond Glow is effective in improving the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne, and uneven skin tone.

Does Diamond Glow Hurt?


Diamond Glow is a comfortable and painless procedure. The diamond-tipped wand gently glides over the skin, providing a soothing sensation as it works. Most patients find the treatment to be relaxing, and there is no need for numbing agents.

What is the Recovery Time After Diamond Glow?


Diamond Glow requires no downtime, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules. Patients can immediately return to their daily activities with a refreshed and revitalized complexion. Some individuals may experience slight redness or tightness right after the treatment, but this typically resolves within a few hours. The results are noticeable immediately, with continued improvement as the skin absorbs the infused serums.
Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati photo

Meet Dr. David Kirn

Dr. David Kirn is an American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified Plastic Surgeon who is devoted to advanced techniques in Cosmetic Surgery of the Face, Breast, and Body. In private practice since 1998, he is located in a state-of-the-art facility which includes a full service skin care center. The practice is focused on personalized patient care and attention to detail. Where possible, Dr. Kirn utilizes minimally invasive procedures.

Meet Dr. Ahmed Al Bayati

Having completed his training in plastic surgery and serving as Chief Resident at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Al Bayati brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to his practice. His commitment to advancing patient care and achieving exceptional outcomes reflects his unwavering passion for plastic surgery.

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