MEET DR. CREASMAN'S NURSE ASSOCIATES
This section of our website is designed to introduce you to our outstanding nurse associates and to provide information on the array of services they provide under Dr. Creasman’s supervision. All three nurses have extensive experience in aesthetic medicine and bring diverse skills into our practice, allowing us to meet all of your aesthetic goals.
Please take a minute to meet Irene Wong, R.N., Marisha Greenhalgh, R.N., and Ruthann Bivolcic, R.N.
AESTHETIC SERVICES
Many aesthetic issues, particularly with respect to aging, cannot be addressed surgically. We provide ancillary services to address these issues. Performed by our two injection nurses with a combined experience in excess of thirty years, these less-invasive procedures can be performed in our office outpatient clinic with little to no recovery time.
- Botox Cosmetic® — FDA approved for use in the treatment of unwanted frown lines, this substance is injected into specific muscles in the forehead and crow’s feet lines to temporarily de-animate them so as to diminish the wrinkles these muscles create with frowning or squinting.
- Injectable fillers — a variety of substances is now available in various degrees of viscosity as injectable fillers for lip augmentation, wrinkles, scars, and depressions in the face.
- Sclerotherapy — troublesome "spider" veins in the legs can often be treated with sclerosants, or medications that cause the insides of the veins to stick together, allowing obliteration of the cosmetically prominent veins.
- Skin care — moderate depth skin peels and skin care products are available from our nursing staff.
- LATISSE™ — eyelash growth treatment
What follows is a more in-depth overview of the treatments offered in our practice and information about our nursing staff. You may look at some examples of the effect of these treatments in our Photogallery, under Botox and Fillers.
BOTOX®
Botox Cosmetic® is an FDA approved purified protein that is administered in a non-surgical procedure that temporarily improves the appearance of lines. The most common areas of treatment are the frown lines, between the brows, crow’s feet and forehead lines.
Botox Cosmetic® works by blocking the chemicals that cause muscle contraction. This results in relaxation of the muscles that are responsible for the lines. Results may last between 3-4 months. Learn more about BOTOX® Injections.
DERMAL FILLERS
Cosmoderm (Human Collagen):
Human collagen does not require skin testing prior to treatment. Collagen is injected just under the surface of the skin to help soften the appearance of facial lines. It is also used to enhance the appearance of lips. Results are immediate and last between 2-4 months. Learn more about Collagen Injections.
Hyaluronic Acids:
There are 2 FDA approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers available. They are Restylane® and Juvederm®. JuvTderm™ Ultra and JuvTderm™ Ultra Plus are indicated for injection into the mid to deep dermis for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds (such as nasolabial folds). Side effects were usually mild to moderate lasting 7 days or less and included temporary injection site reactions like redness, pain, firmness, swelling and bumps.
The choice of which dermal filler to use is individual. Factors that influence this are: Areas to be treated, depth of wrinkles, skin texture and cost. A combination of dermal fillers and Botox® treatments can be performed at the same time. These options are best determined during consultation.
LASER SKIN CARE
LASER HAIR REDUCTION
What is Laser Hair Reduction?
Laser Hair reduction uses and FDA approved 810 nm diode treatment head. The treatment safely and gently heats the dermis to a temperature that damages the hair follicle and prevents re-growth.
•Who should avoid Laser Hair Reduction?
Pregnant woman. Patients with pacemakers or internal defibrillators. Patients who take Accutane must have stopped 6 months before treatment.
•Is there any downtime?
No downtime is involved; patients can return to normal activities immediately.
•Are there any side effects?
Possible side effects include reddening of the skin and mild swelling. Burns, patchy regrowth and pigmentation changes are very rare.
•How long do the results last?
The hair reduction should be permanent, though it will not eliminate 100% of hair growth, and occasional touch-ups may be necessary.
•How many treatments are needed?
Because hair can only be affected during certain growth cycles, several treatments are necessary. Usually four to six sessions are required to achieve the desired effect.
•How long does the treatment last?
The duration varies depending on your individual needs and the size of the area to be treated. Appointments usually range from a half hour to an hour.
•How does the treatment feel?
Most patients experience a little discomfort. Some patients may feel heat or a slight stinging sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin.
•What are alternative treatments?
Laser treatments, waxes, electrolysis and shaving are alternatives.
•Instructions before treatment:
Do not tan or stay in the sun for extended periods of time before treatment. Avoid aspirin and other blood thinners.
•Instructions after treatment:
Avoid any sun exposure for 48 hours and wear SPF 30 sunscreen. You may apply cool compresses to reduce any redness and swelling
SCLEROTHERAPY (Vein Treatment)
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical approach to the treatment of spider veins on the legs. The purpose of this cosmetic procedure is to eliminate unsightly superficial veins using a sclerosing agent. Large varicosities and more serious conditions involving deep veins should be evaluated by a vascular specialist.
•What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a treatment that uses an injected solution to target spider veins. Spider veins are small, thin veins which commonly appear on the face and legs. These veins are inessential to the venous system, so they may be safely removed.
•How does this treatment work?
Before the treatment begins, the skin is cleansed with an antiseptic solution. The skin is stretched and the sclerosing solution is administered into the chosen veins: one injection per inch. Generally, 5 to 40 injections are made per treatment. As each injection is completed, cotton ball and compression tape is placed on the area.
•How many treatments are required?
For maximum results, multiple treatments are required, although there will be visible results after one session. The original spider veins will be obliterated; however, the treatment does not stop new spider veins from appearing.
•Is Sclerotherapy safe?
Sclerotherapy is safe, and serious medical complications from the treatment are extremely rare.
•Will there be any downtime?
There is very little downtime. Support hose will be provided and placed over bandages to ensure proper healing. Although the legs are bandaged, you are encouraged to walk to prevent blood clots. Avoid prolonged sitting, standing, squatting, heavy weight lifting and jogging.
•What are the results?
Most clients are very pleased with the diminished appearance of their spider veins. The skin on the legs will appear younger, clearer and healthier. There is a dramatic difference between a treated leg and an untreated leg.
•How soon will results appear?
When the compression bandages are removed, there will be bruising and reddish areas at the injection sites. The bruises will diminish with time, and in some cases there is some residual brownish coloration which may a while to completely fade.
•How long does Sclerotherapy last?
The veins effected by the session will be permanently destroyed. However, the treatment has no effect on newly appearing veins that grow over time.
•Who should avoid Sclerotherapy?
Individuals with hepatitis, blood-borne diseases, circulatory problems, heart conditions, or diabetes may be advised against this procedure.
•How does the treatment feel?
Some discomfort may be experienced. Each injection is given with a needle, and several injections are administered. Some clients experience a slight burning sensation as the solution is injected, but this fades in a couple minutes.
•Instructions before treatment:
Wash legs thoroughly, but do not use any type of moisturizer, sun-block or oil. Keep in mind that the legs will appear bruised, so you may want to plan your treatment during a time when it is possible for you to wear slacks for the next few weeks. Measurement for compression hose is completed during the consultation. The compression hose are put on after the first treatment.
•Instructions after treatment:
The compression tape and support hose will be in place for 1 to 2 weeks. Walking is recommended after treatment because it prevents blood clots. Jogging or any jarring exercises to the legs should be avoided. A one month healing interval must be completed before a second series of injections can be administered to the same site.
SKIN CARE PEELS
Refinity Peel:
The Refinity® peel is a 70% AHA (alpha hydroxyl acid) skin peel. This mild exfoliating peel is done in a series of six peels one week apart. The procedure helps to improve texture and tone of the skin. It is recommended that patients use a combination of skincare products and a peel once a month to maintain results.
LATISSE™
Now, you can grow longer, fuller, darker lashes. LATISSE™ is the first and only prescription treatment approved by the FDA for inadequate or insufficient eyelashes, growing them longer, fuller and darker. LATISSE™ is now being dispensed in the office of Dr. Craig Creasman.
LATISSE™ makes lash growth possible because of its active ingredient, bimatoprost. Although the precise mechanism of action is not known, research suggests that the growth of eyelashes occurs by increasing the percent of hairs in the anagen (or growth) phase of the eyelashes. Lashes can grow longer, thicker and darker because bimatoprost can also prolong the duration of this growth phase. LATISSE™ offers clinically proven results you can see over time
LATISSE™ is easy to use, FDA approved and effective. It is a once-a-day treatment you apply topically to the base of your upper eyelashes. Patients in one clinical trial saw results gradually, starting at 4 weeks with full results after 16 weeks.
While LATISSE™ is a new treatment in eyelash growth and was developed through years of research by Allergan, a pharmaceutical leader with over 60 years of expertise in prescription eye care products.
What to Expect with LATISSE™
Great eyelashes don’t just happen overnight. That’s why it is important to note that LATISSE™ (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% works gradually yet remarkably — starting at 4 weeks with full results after 16 weeks. Once you begin treatment, you could start to see results in as little as 4 weeks, but you must continue applying the topical treatment each night and follow the directions for best results. Remember: results are seen over time.
Your eyelashes will experience real measurable growth.
LATISSE™ works from the inside out. As the treatment progresses, you’ll begin to see changes in length, thickness and darkness gradually. After week 16, you’ll see the full effect of LATISSE™ — and so will others.
There are possible side effects.
Throughout clinical trials, some users did experience itchy eyes and eye redness. However, some users found that this irritation went away once they became accustomed to the product or began applying it properly. As with any prescription treatment, always consult with Dr. Creasman or one of his aesthetic nurses for information and proper usage of LATISSE™ solution.
How to Apply
Nightly Routine
A few simple steps can lead to great lashes. Like every routine, applying LATISSE™ is all about consistency and precision. Once you follow the basic guidelines, the results will come gradually over time. To see the full effect of your eyelash transformation, take a “before” picture before you start the treatment, and keep taking pictures every 4 weeks to chart your progress.
 Step One - Before Applying
Before applying LATISSE™ each night, ensure your face is clean, makeup and contact lenses are removed, and any other facial care products have already been applied.
 Step Two - Prepare the Applicator
Remove an applicator from its tray. Then, holding the sterile applicator horizontally, place one drop of LATISSE™ solution on the area of the applicator closest to the tip, but not on the tip.
 Step Three - Apply to Skin using Applicator
Immediately draw the applicator carefully along the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes just as you would apply liquid eyeliner. This area should feel lightly moist without runoff.
 Step Four - Blot Excess
The fourth step is to carefully blot any excess solution beyond the eyelid with a tissue, as shown in this image.
 Step Five - Dispose of Applicator
Dispose of the applicator after one use. Repeat for opposite eyelid, using a new sterile applicator to help minimize any potential for contamination from one eyelid to another.
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