I wanted to update everyone on my Ellacor journey. I plan on providing pictures and updates with my process as it transpires. I will be returning on the 3rd day post treatment for v beam to help with redness. Updated on 17 Nov 2023: Trying ellacor and hoping for improvement and tightening of the jawline. I lost a lot of weight 15 years ago and it has contributed to my drooping jowls. I’ve done Ulthera 5 and 7 years ago with so so results. Updated on 17 Nov 2023: Went into the office and got numbing shots prior to the procedure. It was not without discomfort (numbing and Ellacor) but not awful. Areas of thinner skin (like near ears) were most painful. I don’t have tattoos but imagine it must be similar. Updated on 17 Nov 2023: Continued to have a little bleeding through the day, but it didn’t scab due to the protective coating. That night, I used a gentle cleanser - Cetaphil - as directed, and here’s what it looks like after the blood is washed away with the Aquaphor. Updated on 17 Nov 2023: 24 hours after I am definitely swollen and a little bit sore/bruised. The bruising is mainly in areas where the injectable numbing was done. I continue to use a thin coat of Aquaphor on the treatment area. Updated on 17 Nov 2023: Still swollen. Not painful. More yellowish bruising on my cheeks which aligns with other reviews I read. I continue to use a thin coat of Aquaphor on the treatment area. Recommend changing pillowcases and towels daily. Updated on 17 Nov 2023: 72 hours later (day 3) After Ellacor. Today I feel like the swelling has gone down. I go in for vbeam on my bruised areas. Each day looks a bit less red! Can’t wait to see how it continues to progress. Updated on 17 Nov 2023: Day 3 - 72 hours after - vbeam for bruising. My doctor offers an optional Vbeam treatment for bruising on day three for those who would like it. This is included in the cost of the Ellacor treatment. I decided to take advantage of it, having used Vbeam before with great results. The only area they treated was above my lip where I had purple bruising. Updated on 17 Nov 2023: It’s now Friday. I had Ellacor on Monday and I cannot believe the improvement from then until now. I thought I would have much more bruising and redness for a longer. After reading, some of the stories posted on the Internet. My doctor is fabulous, and doesn’t push the boundaries, which results in great outcomes. Now I am excited to see the rest of the swelling start going down and hopefully some results. I know I may need to do this at least one if not two more times, but I’m hoping to see improvement after this first Ellacor treatment. Updated on 20 Nov 2023: Five days later, and I feel like I look decent enough to go out in public and volunteer. The Vbeam definitely helped with the bruising above the lip, I would highly recommend that for anyone who has residual bruising three days later, and I think I’m starting to notice my lip lifting a little bit. I had lost a lot of my lip volume as I got older and was hoping this would help address that as well as my jowls. Updated on 20 Nov 2023: No, I wore sunscreen. When I was out this weekend, I noticed some irritation on a small spot on my right cheek. I’m not sure if it’s a bug bite of some sort, or further irritation. I’ve been using Aquaphor again, and it has calmed down as of today. I’m hoping it will continue to improve, but I will call my dermatologist if I don’t see less swelling tomorrow. Otherwise, healing nicely and happy with what I am seeing so far! Updated on 21 Nov 2023: Well it has been 8 Days since Ellacor and other than the one tiny spot that seems irritated and itchy, I feel I am healing very well. I am starting to see what I think is probably tightness on one side and my lip I swear, is starting to lift a bit. I know it’s early, and it could still be swelling, but I am hopeful. Updated on 27 Nov 2023: I am now, two weeks out and so far thrilled with the results. I am seeing tightening of my jawline and lifting of my lips making them look a little bit bigger. This is exactly what I had hoped for with this procedure. I am going back this afternoon for another Vbeam session for the redness, and will return two days later, for another session. My dermatologist provides these at no additional cost for anyone who would like them to lessen the redness. I only have a few areas that still bother me but am super thankful for the option of lasering. Updated on 4 Dec 2023: It’s three weeks after my Ellacor procedure today. I have also had three sessions of Vbeam to lessen the redness. So far, I am happy. I know I will continue to see more results as the swelling recedes, and the collagen and skin begin to renew. I am giving the two spots on the right side of my face another couple of days to lighten, otherwise I will schedule another Vbeam session. My dermatologist includes these with the cost of the treatment and allows you to return as many times as you feel it’s beneficial. I believe this has contributed to my satisfaction compared to others, that I see that struggle with the continual redness. Something to keep in mind when researching providers… Updated on 11 Dec 2023: One month later, and I’m really satisfied with the results. I can still feel what is a bit of bruising in the two areas of redness, but they continue to improve. I probably will not bother to go get more Vbeam, though I know it would take care of it. It’s just not that visible once I have sunscreen on. I am definitely seeing an improvement in my lips, where it has lifted, bringing more fullness, back, and tightness under my chin. I hope this will progress more each month. I don’t think I would do this a second time as I’m fairly satisfied with what I am seeing now, but that will be determined that my three month check in with my dermatologist. Updated on 8 Jan 2024: Clean skin without makeup or moisturizer. I am satisfied at this point and will am thinking I will use kybella on my left side under my chin to get rid of the fat that is uneven vs another Ellacor treatment. I will withhold that decision for another month until 90 days to see how much more improvement I have. Updated on 16 Apr 2025: As a 56-year-old woman who lost a significant amount of weight in my late 30s, I hated my saggy skin, turkey neck and baggy chin area. When I heard about Ellacor, and saw that Dr. George was one of the first certified dermatologists in the US to offer it, I knew I had to try it. I had Ultherapy 3 years prior, and though I saw good results, I was ready for a refresh.I did a lot of research and saw the horror stories, but when I had my consult, I realized that the majority of the bad experiences were not following the approved protocols - treating areas of the face outside of what should have been treated, etc.Dr. George thoroughly explained what would be done and answered my questions. She was up front about the downtime and assured me I could have VBeam sessions to treat the bruising/redness that would result.The team at Wilmington Dermatology couldn't have been better. I was numbed, and the process itself took less than 30 minutes. I was able to check out in the room and exit through a back door like a celebrity, though I would have been comfortable going through the front office. I used my ice packs as instructed and returned for VBeam which definitely shortened my recovery time and got me back on camera for Team calls very quickly (redness almost completely gone by day 4).By 8 weeks, I had very noticeable results that I was happy with. I opted not to have another session as a result. I still feel my collagen is increased and my skin is glowing, and looks much better than many my age.
Absolutely 100% satisfied. Highly recommend service. Very professional practice with helpful, knowledgeable staff. No matter how hard I worked out or ate healthy, I couldn’t seem to get rid of the stubborn areas. Cellfina was the answer!!
This experience was A+ from start to finish! Thank you to Dr. George and her highly qualified staff! I was pleased from start to finish! During CoolSculpting, I was made comfortable, well attended to, and my results were great!
Dr. George is simply amazing! Botox and fillers are easy to mis-place or inject too much if you have an inexperienced doctor. Dr. George is slightly above average in cost. BUT cutting pennies is not the thing to do when dealing with your face!!! She gives just the right amount AND in the right locations. She will not do procedures that are not right for you just to make money off you (unlike others in our area). Sign up for her practices' events to get specials too!
I've been to this office for multiple procedures, Botox, fillers, and most recently fraxel laser. Dr.George and her office staff are kind and knowledgeable. I've been 100% satisfied with the services I've had done in her office. Price is not my motivator, but I've found that her charges are very reasonable and usually less than local plastic surgery offices charge for the same procedure. Dr. George is very honest about recommending services. At my last visit, she said I didn't need to have additional filler, when she just as easily could have performed the filler injection and made $$$.
Despite the negative connotations that can be associated with Botox, I am here to tell you that it is probably the best "bang for your buck" cosmetic tool that you can possibly use. The key is to get in and use it before you have wrinkles; it's best used as a preventative. I think it's one of the best things you can do for yourself from an anti-aging perspective that will give you real results. All providers are not the same, however, it is of upmost importance to go to someone who really understands how it works, where to place it and how to not over-do it. Everyone in this office is extremely professional and efficient; I have never had to wait. Also, her choice of skin care lines also just can't be beat. The TNS Recovery Serum has done wonders for me! So worth it. Dr. George's practice is my "go to" anti-aging resource!
Great People, Great Office - Wilmington, NC
Great Results - Wilmington, NC
I went to my dermatologist for my third Revitalize peel (light peel from SkinMedica) and told her I wasn't happy with the results so far, so she recommended the vi peel instead. I started a series of 5 peels for problems with dry, yet acne prone skin and deep white bumps around my nose (milia). I should mention that I also have sensitive skin, which is why I tried the Revitalize peel first. I just had the Vi peel yesterday afternoon. It did burn a bit at first (only a few minutes), then by the time I left the office, my face felt sort of numb and tight. When you leave, you should be given a kit with post peel directions and some products by Vi-2 post peel towelettes, a post peel protectant cream and SPF 55 cream. By evening, my face looked like I had a sunburn but not uncomfortable. Before bed, I followed the post peel directions and used the post-peel wipe. In the morning, my face was very itchy. I washed my face with Cerave, then applied the post peel protectant. My face is still itchy (but less so) and very red and blotchy. It looks like I have an allergic reaction to something. I'll keep posting updates during the next few days... I should mention that the price is because it was a special offered at my dermatologist's, when you purchased a package. Great deal, if it works! Updated on 1 Jan 2012: Day 4- Ok, yesterday was New Years eve, so I missed a post, here's my update: Yesterday, (day 3) I was peeling like crazy! It looked like I stuck my face in white glue and let it dry. It was tight and started peeling around my mouth and radiated out from there. It was really hard not to pull the hanging, flaky skin. At night, I took a shower, then took a wet washcloth and gently wiped away some of the skin. I didn't rub, honest! Then, I put on the protective cream, like I had been doing all day. My face was really red, so I used some Sheer Cover mineral powder, instead of my normal makeup. We were going to a party for New Years, so I didn't want to look too scary! Not sure if it was the peel, using the washcloth, or the mineral makeup but as the night went on, I noticed my skin was puffy under my eyes. This morning when I woke up, I looked like the elephant woman! My face was so swollen, my eyes were practically swollen shut! It is now 6:30pm and it is just as swollen. I tried ice packs, taking Benedryl and Ibuprofen and the Vi protective cream. Nothing seems to help. I am so swollen and my skin is so tight, I can hardly eat. Skin is still peeling, but less itchy and irritated than before. Not sure what to try next. I guess I'll keep icing and taking ibuprofen and hope for the best. I'm supposed to go back to work on Tuesday! Updated on 2 Jan 2012: Day 5- I woke up this morning and the swelling on my face was worse! I didn't think it could get much worse, but my eyes were almost swollen shut and I could barely open my mouth. I can't get in touch with my dermatologist or my physician (holiday). I'm not sure if my reaction is to the actual peel or maybe an allergic reaction to the post peel protective cream. I realized that I had a Rx for prednisone (I suffer from bad allergic reactions to poison ivy and bug bites), so I started taking it this morning. I also sent my husband to the store for some Aquaphor. That was a lifesaver! It soothed my face and kept it soft. It is now 8pm and the swelling has gone down, but still as bad as it was yesterday. My face is actually starting to peel a second time around my mouth. Just hoping I can go back to work tomorrow! Updated on 22 Mar 2012: It took over a week for my face to look "normal" again. I followed up with my Dermatologist and she said it's very possible the reaction was from the post peel creams. Six weeks later, I went back but this time decided to just do another Revitalize peel. I actually had a reaction to that this time too, though not nearly as bad. I'm done with peels! My skin is just too sensitive to handle it...My skin tone does look a little better, but not as much improvement as I would have liked.
I wanted to get rid of a little excess fat on my flanks.
Luckily there is a product that can be injected into the lumps called hyaluronidase (Vitrase is the brand name). Typically the lumps will be improved within 24-48 hours.
Fraxel is still one of the gold standard lasers for acne scars. There are several reasons why people may have given a negative review. One is that it takes 4-6 treatments to see the best results. Many people have an unrealistic expectation of the results that can be seen with only a few treatments. Also, many people claim to have Fraxel when it is not the actual fraxel laser. The other issue I have seen is that much lower energy levels are used than are needed to treat scarring in order to avoid downtime. Unfortunately you will have 4-5 days of redness and swelling with the Fraxel. I hope this helps. We have had great results with Fraxel for acne scarring in my office
Because ulthera is sending energy underneath the skin it is common to be swollen and tender especially along the jawline. While having trouble with the nerves of the face is uncommon it has been reported and should resolve in 2-4 weeks. If you are concerned I recommed consulting with the physician who performed the procedure.
If you were planning on having more Sculptra sessions I would tell you to hold off on having Ultherapy. However, since you did not like the results from the Sculptra and do not plan on having any additional treatments there are no contraindications to having the Ultherapy done at this point. I have been using Ulthera in my office since November 2011 and have been impressed with the results.
I would consult with a physician who specializes in lasers. Laser removal will be the best way of treating, however it will take multiple sessions and may never be completely normal skin.
