BOTOX® / Collagen Treatment Review

The Buzz...
Refine is one of a handful of medical spas in Chicago that offer cutting edge cosmetic procedures under a doctor's supervision- an emerging trend in serious skincare that goes beyond traditional facials. Refine is a state of the art Medspa headed up by Dr. Bonnie Vulich, DO and ER physician. Dr. Bonnie Vulich is the founder of Refine and a highly regarded Board Certified Physician - we confidently put our skin in her expert hands. This facility is centered on offering clients breakthrough technology of the most advanced aesthetic treatments available.

The Scene...
Far from intimidating, the space at Refine is welcoming- the spa was designed to put clients' minds instantly at ease. While the space is soothing, I found myself most comforted by the amazing skin of Dr. Bonnie herself. It's easy to trust a woman whose own skin looks remarkable at any age.

The Goods...
First up, a consultation. My afternoon with Dr. Bonnie began with a consultation and discussion of treatment for my frown and smile lines. I filled out a questionnaire that asked everything from my perceived skin type to how much time I had spent in the sun to a full medical history. Next up, some one on one time with Dr. Bonnie. As I looked in a handheld mirror, I pointed out the areas of my face that I felt needed improvement. The doctor then asked me to perform a number of frowns, squints, and smiles. After we were finished with the my wrinkle analysis, Dr. Bonnie confirmed what I had expected- I was indeed a candidate for BOTOX®. We agreed upon BOTOX® injections for the frown lines in my forehead and between my brows as well as Collagen/Hylaform injections for my smile lines, and Collagen/Hylaform injections to plump up and even out my lips. She noted that BOTOX® is indicated for the expression lines that are caused by muscle movements (i.e. frown lines) and Collagen/Hylaform is used to plump and even out an area from the natural droop of the skin (i.e. smile lines). We discussed each procedure in depth, including the steps involved, all the benefits, as well as any potential risks or complications. She ended the consultation with a pre-treatment photo.

Next, Dr. Bonnie led me to a private room where she prepared my skin for the injections. She removed any dirt and cosmetics and applied a topical anesthetic to numb the skin. She informed me that approximately 20 to 30 minutes must pass for the anesthetic to take effect. Once I was ready, she pinched a few areas to test my reactions. When we both agreed I was ready she pulled out a face chart and went through a number of frowning and smiling exercises. She marked the exact areas to be injected and we were ready to turn back the clock!

First came the BOTOX®. Dr. Bonnie gently touched the areas above my brows where she would begin. She asked me to frown. Following a slight pinch and a quick tolerable sting (more uncomfortable than painful), the first injection was done. Within minutes Dr. Bonnie was finished with my first round of treatments. She handed me a mirror to see the results. To my surprise, nothing had changed. Dr. Bonnie explained that BOTOX® takes three to five days to take effect. I did feel a slight tightness under the skin, but no results were yet apparent.

The next treatment was the collagen injections. Dr. Bonnie explained that these injections would be much more bearable than the BOTOX®. She noted that Collagen contains an anesthetic that once injected quickly covers any discomfort from the injection. When she began on my left smile line I understood exactly what she meant. The first two caused me to flinch but the following injections were a snap. Once she finished both sides she again handed me the mirror. Finally, the instant gratification I'd been seeking. My laugh lines were gone...magic! Once I finished admiring her work, Dr. Bonnie moved on to my lips. The lip injections certainly stung a bit more than the others but once the first couple were done the rest followed easily.

My final treatment was the Hylaform injections. Collagen and Hylaform are both wrinkle fillers that create exceptional results on their own, but together they make even more of an impact. The Hylaform injections do not contain an anesthetic as does Collagen so the discomfort caused by the injections was more intense, however bearable and definitely worthwhile. Dr. Bonnie also explained that Hylaform injections do cause bruising around the injection areas and to be prepared with some concealer over the next couple of days, "a small drawback on an amazing treatment." When we both agreed this was a treatment for me, she proceeded to inject the Hylaform in the same areas as the collagen and was again finished in minutes. She handed me the mirror one last time to see for myself the amazing results. Dr. Bonnie informed me that I should expect to see a reduction in the plumpness of my lips by approximately 30 percent over the next 24 hours. A day later, my new fuller lips proved to be a size just perfect for me.

Once we were finished with all the injections, Dr. Bonnie cleaned up my face and allowed me to take one last peek in the mirror. She asked if I were satisfied and if I had any questions or concerns. She explained again that the BOTOX® injections will show a visible result in a few days, and she encouraged me to follow up with her in a couple of weeks. All in all, I feel that the treatments I received from Dr. Bonnie were completely bearable and thoroughly life changing.

The Follow Up...
The days following my treatments at Refine Medical Spa I noticed a considerable difference in the lines of concern on my forehead. Each day after the injections, the lines minimized and the muscles relaxed. My forehead is now completely wrinkle free. I am thrilled with the end result and now consider myself an avid fan.

Refine Medical Spa, located at 233 E. Erie Street, Chicago, IL, is here to satisfy those demands with complimentary consultations and same day treatments that re-hydrate, sculpt, firm and de-age skin. For more information on the spa and its founder, please call 312-867-0600.

Contact us for further information or to book a consultation. Click here to redirect to our Contact Us page. Please fill out the online form and a Refine Medical Spa professional will get back to you as soon as possible.