As your big day approaches, it’s essential to feel like the most confident and radiant version of yourself. At the Swan Center in Atlanta, we are here to meet your unique skincare needs as a bride-to-be! Whether you want to finally address dark spots or acne, or you are simply looking to enhance your already gorgeous canvas, our team of experienced estheticians and expert injectors are prepared to advise you on the optimal treatment to meet your goals. 

Below, we discuss our favorite non-surgical treatments and how to get the timing right before showers, the bachelorette trip, and the big day itself.

Facial treatments for brides

Our treatments are specially tailored to your skin concerns, offering solutions to everything from acne to fine lines. Here are some of our favorite treatments for brides-to-be:

Botox-type injectables (neurotoxins)

Botox, Dysport, and other neuromodulators are injected into muscles (usually on the upper face  around the eyes, forehead, and eyebrows) to pause nerve signals and soften the wrinkles that come from dynamic facial expressions. These treatments are quick, nearly painless, and require no downtime, making them perfect for busy brides! 

If you are able, it is ideal to establish a treatment regimen (every 3-4 months) with your injector well in advance to fine-tune your results and make sure you are happy with them for your big day. Schedule your final pre-wedding Botox injections at least 2 weeks in advance to allow ample time for any bruising to subside.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers (you’ve probably heard of Restylane or Juvéderm®) are designed to restore volume, reduce the appearance of lines, and enhance features such as cheeks and lips. Dermal fillers can cause some temporary swelling or bruising, so it’s best to schedule this treatment at least 1 month prior to your wedding. This allows plenty of time for any minor side effects to subside, as well as to adjust your results if needed. That said, if you have never tried fillers before, start as much as a year before your nuptials to give yourself time to try different options and fully refine your look.

• Learn about lip augmentation with filler »

Microneedling & RF microneedling

Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, dramatically reduces acne scars and fine lines while improving skin texture and imparting a noticeable glow. If you want to see a big change, starting treatments six months in advance yields the most transformative results. RF microneedling uses radiofrequency to double up on the skin tightening transformation of microneedling, and does not always require repeat treatments.

As your skin will need time to heal and generate new collagen, schedule your last microneedling treatment at least 1 month before your wedding. If you’re planning a series of treatments for optimal results, start 3-6 months in advance and space each session about a month apart.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels are much less scary than they sound! We apply a custom solution containing ingredients like glycolic acid in high concentrations, then gently wash it away after a certain amount of time. This can smooth your skin out while improving any lines or wrinkles and promoting a nice, even skin texture. Peels can also help with dark spots or hyperpigmentation. To see full results, we recommend starting a series of at least 3 peels beginning a little over 12 weeks before your wedding day.

Hydrafacial

For a “your skin but better” look—especially if you struggle with breakouts!—start monthly Hydrafacials several months before the big day. These gentle facials can be customized with LED light and active ingredients, but every Hydrafacial uses a water vortex to extract pores and create a glowing complexion. You’ll see an instant glow after your Hydrafacial, so you may even consider a treatment the day before engagement photos or the wedding itself!

Whether you are the bride, a bridesmaid, or a proud mother-of-the-bride or -groom, our treatments and services are designed to enhance your natural beauty.

Broadband light therapy

If your wedding skin goal is more balanced tone and color, broadband light (BBL) therapy addresses acne discoloration, sun damage, signs of aging, redness, and freckles! Start BBL treatments at least 4 months before events so that you can plan for 3 to 5 treatments, spaced about 3 weeks apart.

Body contouring medspa treatments

Injectable butt lift

At our medspa, we are huge fans of a totally non-surgical injectable butt lift with Sculptra, a long-lasting dermal filler that is a less invasive alternative to a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) surgery. With zero downtime, our injectors can sculpt improved projection, more volume, and more shapely buttocks to help you fill out your white dress with natural-looking hourglass curves. Your booty grows over time after this treatment, so it’s best to start at least 6 months prior to your wedding day. Results last 2 years or more!

Vaginal rejuvenation with O-Shot and ThermiVa

For a bride, confidence on her wedding day is paramount! Vaginal rejuvenation focuses on the appearance and function of the vagina and vulva, helping to enhance sexual satisfaction or to address issues with laxity, dryness, and urinary incontinence. 

Our ThermiVa technology uses radiofrequency energy to gently heat tissues without discomfort or downtime. This treatment promotes collagen production and tightens the skin over the course of about 3 sessions spaced across 12 weeks. For full effects before the wedding day, begin your rejuvenation journey several months before the date! We also offer the O-shot to double down on results; it can be safely paired with other treatments or used alone.

About The Swan Center in Atlanta

Led by 3 established board-certified plastic surgeons, The Swan Center is your premier beauty destination in Atlanta. We offer treatments ranging from plastic surgery to relaxing facials, so you know you are in the hands of aesthetic experts when you choose us for your beauty treatments! To schedule your personal consultation today, call 770-667-0904 or fill out our online form & a member of our knowledgeable team will reach out to you. 

Over the past few years, collagen supplements and bone broth have surged in popularity thanks to their potential health and appearance benefits. So, which is the better option for enhancing your natural beauty? As it turns out, both collagen and bone broth can provide essential support for your skin, nails, and hair—but there are differences that may make one a better choice than the other for you.

Here, we look at collagen supplements and bone broth in more detail so you decide which one is the most beneficial option to support your unique beauty needs.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is a crucial component of skin, bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments—providing strength and structure to keep them healthy and supple. Collagen contains four powerhouse amino acids: glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine, which are fundamental to your skin’s health and appearance as they support elasticity and avert wrinkling. 

These amino acids also help increase bone strength & density and reduce inflammation to improve joint health. Additionally, collagen promotes gut health by improving digestion and relieving associated symptoms, such as bloating. 

Collagen vs. bone broth

As we age, our body naturally produces less collagen. Taking collagen supplements or consuming bone broth with high collagen content may be helpful in replenishing lost collagen levels, potentially leading to improved skin elasticity, fewer wrinkles, and a bit more confidence when we look in the mirror.

There are key differences between a collagen supplement and bone broth, and depending on your goals, you may prefer one option over the other to bolster your beauty routine. 

How collagen powder is made

Collagen powder is made from animal bones, skin, and connective tissue; most manufactured collagen is bovine in origin. The process begins with breaking down the animal parts—through boiling or other methods such as acid hydrolysis or enzymatic hydrolysis. The resulting mixture is then filtered and purified before being dried and ground into a fine powder, which can then be used as-is or further processed to create different types of collagen supplements.

How bone broth is made

Bone broth is made by simmering bones—as well as optional aromatics including vegetables, herbs, and spices—in water for an extended period of time. This process naturally extracts the bones’ vitamins, minerals, and amino acids into the liquid. The end result is a flavorful broth that can be used as a base for soups and sauces, or enjoyed on its own.

Taking collagen supplements or consuming bone broth with high collagen content may be helpful in replenishing lost collagen levels.

Bone broth: benefits and drawbacks

Bone broth has been used for centuries as a healing remedy, and its benefits are recognized by modern science. 

Bone broth benefits

The benefits of bone broth are more comprehensive than a simple collagen supplement;

• Bone broth contains a range of minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, and trace minerals that can help support overall health. 
• Bone broth is naturally high in unprocessed collagen, which helps to promote healthy joints and improve skin health and elasticity. 
• Bone broth is a satisfying food to consume and can support healthy weight loss
• Bone broth can aid in recovery from surgery or injury due to its ability to reduce inflammation and promote the healing of soft tissues. 
• Bone broth may be more cost-effective and can be made at home using simple ingredients like bones and vegetables. 
• Bone broth is relatively versatile in the kitchen.

Bone broth drawbacks

On the downside;

• Bone broth may be difficult to digest for some people, especially if fat content has not been removed in a second step after cooking. 
• Bone broth can be time-consuming to make at home.
• Pre-made bone broth products save time but can be pricey. 

Collagen supplements: benefits and drawbacks

Collagen has become increasingly popular as an added ingredient in skincare products due to its ability to help keep skin, hair, nails, and other connective tissues healthy. 

Collagen supplement benefits

There are various benefits to taking a collagen supplement; 

• Collagen supplements deliver a concentrated dose of protein and are highly versatile—they can be consumed internally in tablets, capsules, or in liquid or powdered forms. 
• Collagen powder is tasteless and won’t alter the flavor of your food. It can be easily added to yogurt, smoothies, coffee—nearly any dish or beverage. 
• Collagen supplements may be more accessible for some people, whether taken orally or added to food.
• You can easily consume a precise, doctor-recommended dose of collagen each day to support healthy body functions, skin elasticity, etc. 

Collagen supplement drawbacks

On the downside, collagen supplements are heavily processed, using enzymes to isolate the collagen molecules from the original animal parts; isolated nutritional components do not typically offer the same range of benefits as less-processed or whole foods. Also, supplements are not regulated by the FDA, meaning consumers must trust the manufacturer to test for the safety and efficacy of their product. 

We have a winner! Well, sort of…

In sum, bone broth has additional nutrients not provided by isolated collagen supplements and thus may be a superior choice for improving your overall health and wellness—that said, convenience is also important, and your personal preferences will have the final say in which one is the better beauty booster for you! 

The fine print

Unless you actually make or purchase bone broth frequently enough to regularly incorporate it into your diet, you will likely get more dependable beauty benefits from taking a daily collagen supplement. That’s because consistency is key to improving your skin, whether you are using professional-grade skincare products or increasing your collagen intake. Some people may find that taking a collagen supplement is simply more convenient and allows for more consistent use than drinking or cooking with bone broth. Ultimately, the right choice is the product you will use the most consistently!

Want to boost your skin today? Let us help! 

While consuming collagen can provide nutritional support when it comes to skin health, its action is subtle and takes time. Collagen supplements also can’t erase past sun damage, wrinkles, and other skin flaws—laser treatments and other non-surgical methodologies are much more effective when it comes to quickly improving the surface appearance of your skin. The outstanding medical team at The Swan Center is here to help you with the best non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including options that are proven to boost your natural collagen production and improve your skin’s appearance, such as RF microneedling, chemical peels, laser treatments, and specialty facials. We invite you to schedule a consultation with our Atlanta medspa or call us at (770) 667-0904 to learn more! 

We often meet patients who tell us, simply, “Botox me!” While the answer is usually an enthusiastic “You got it!,” Botox® is best for certain dynamic wrinkles, and there are actually a number of highly effective wrinkle treatments that we can use to give you a personalized, optimal result. As a nurse injector in Atlanta, I always customize a plan based on each type of wrinkle you want to treat! Here’s everything in our arsenal, plus your treatment options by the area.

Medical-grade wrinkle treatments

Wrinkle reduction can involve a range of treatments, and not every wrinkle requires an injectable. From facial treatments that improve skin quality to skincare you use at home, we believe in a complementary anti-aging approach using tools like:

• Laser treatments, peels, and facials like chemical peels, microneedling, Hydrafacial®, and laser peels are effective anti-aging options for combating fine lines and improving overall skin quality. Each year, I receive a HALO Laser Treatment to boost collagen deep in the dermis, which is literally what prevents wrinkles.
• Botox-type injectable neurotoxins like Botox® and Dysport® treat dynamic wrinkles, especially in the upper face. I use Botox to preserve youthfulness or to slow the signs of aging, or even if you want to smooth or soften existing lines! I take a unique approach to treatment plans for each individual, because no two faces are the same. With consistent treatments, neurotoxin patients will be so happy with the investment they make in their skin—after treatment AND long term!
• Dermal fillers like Juvéderm® and Restylane® treat dynamic and static wrinkles, especially naso-labial folds and marionette lines below the corners of the mouth. Filler is an AMAZING tool to soften lines and restore volume. By using a hyaluronic acid based dermal filler, the boost and glow your skin will achieve is absolutely stunning!
• Medical-grade skincare is a critical part of our arsenal for supporting your in-office treatments with an effective, wrinkle-fighting skincare regimen at home. Skin care is the security for your investment: In-office treatments are amazing, but if you don’t have a daily regimen at home, then you are not fighting wrinkles at max capacity! 70% of your anti-aging routine is at home with a curated medical grade routine, and then 30% stems from in-office procedures.

Dynamic vs. static wrinkles

The first thing to know about wrinkles before I select a treatment is that they can be either dynamic or static. Dynamic lines appear when you’re smiling, frowning, squinting, or making other facial expressions. Static wrinkles are etched into the skin, even when your face is at rest, and tend to form in your thirties or later as your body’s production of collagen and elastin (the building blocks of plump, elastic skin) begins to diminish.

Each type of wrinkle, depending on its location in the face or neck, calls for a different anti-aging approach. Most dynamic wrinkles respond best to Botox-type injectables, although some (namely the nasolabial folds) can be treated with filler. However, once wrinkles become static, they usually require filler, laser treatments, and/or a surgical lifting procedure to reverse. Both dynamic and static wrinkles, in any area of the face or neck, can also benefit from skin resurfacing facials and a medical grade skin care routine.

I always customize a plan based on each type of wrinkle you want to treat!

Wrinkle formation and treatment, by the area

Here’s how wrinkles form in the key areas of the face, and my go-tos for smoothing them out:

Forehead

Horizontal forehead wrinkles are caused by movement of the frontalis muscle, especially when raising the brows; these lines can deepen with sun damage. Treat forehead lines with neuromodulators like Botox or Dysport. For best results, relax these muscles early to slow wrinkles’ formation!

Frown lines (between the eyebrows)

The “11”-shaped lines that form between the eyebrows are the original territory of our faithful friend Botox. Injected into the muscles below the inner eyebrows that pull your brow down into a frown, neurotoxin stops those lines from frowning, allowing the skin to smooth itself out.

Crow’s feet (eyes)

These lines emanate from the edges of your eyes when smiling or squinting, and may be made worse by sun exposure—so always wear a good pair of sunglasses, in addition to sunscreen and a hat! Botox is highly effective for crow’s feet, and it’s a good idea to pair it with a topical medical-grade eye cream to reduce the appearance of these fine lines.

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Nasolabial folds

These folds that extend from the nose to the outside corners of the mouth, framing your smile, are often caused by movement when smiling. Some people are genetically predisposed to have deep nasolabial folds because of their inherited anatomy. The best way to treat nasolabial folds is with dermal fillers like Restylane Lyft, which can be injected deeply in the dermis and also in the more shallow epidermis layer to “fill” the wrinkles and soften their appearance.

Lips

Wrinkles in and around the lips form due to drinking through straws, smoking, general volume loss over time, and even movement as you talk. To treat wrinkles here, we typically use lip fillers to replace lost volume and smooth perioral lines (a.k.a. smoker’s lines). We can also use a small amount of Botox above the upper lip to soften the muscle and allow the upper lip to curl outward with a technique commonly called the “lip flip.”

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Neck

In the neck, you may see horizontal lines that form from looking down at your phone or computer (tech neck), as well as vertical platysmal band lines that become distinct due to thinning skin. To improve the texture of thin, delicate neck skin, RF microneedling and laser skin resurfacing are effective options. To address the vertical bands, Botox can be injected to soften the muscles that cause them. And when sagging tissues in the lower face and neck have progressed beyond the power of non-surgical treatments, a facelift and/or neck lift with one of our Atlanta plastic surgeons is the ultimate neck rejuvenation procedure.

• Related: Why Microneedling with RF is Superior to Traditional Microneedling »

Prevent wrinkles with good choices, skincare, and Botox-type injectables

There are a handful of proven ways to stop wrinkles from worsening: Botox or Dysport can be injected preventatively to stop dynamic wrinkles from forming in the first place. Protect skin from sun exposure with sunscreen, hats, seeking shade, and wearing sunglasses! You can counter the very real effects of air pollution on skin aging by applying antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, in your skincare routine. And products like retinol (tretinoin) are highly effective when used as directed. Most importantly, make good choices: eat a nutrient-dense diet, and get regular exercise and quality sleep!

Schedule your appointment with one of our expert nurse injectors at The Swan Center for Plastic Surgery. Our team of Expert Injectors, our aestheticians, and our Atlanta plastic surgeons are here to make treating your wrinkles as effective and efficient as possible, with a full range of injectables, skin treatments, and plastic surgery offerings—including minimally invasive alternatives! Call us at 770-667-0904 or contact us online to begin.

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In this blog, we take a look at how stress ages your skin and what you can do to help manage it. Your body and skin will thank you—inside and out!

Stress and Skin Aging

An important player in whether or not your body feels stressed is the hormone cortisol, a naturally occurring steroid. Sound familiar? That’s because cortisol is produced in response to stress and activates our “fight or flight” instincts. According to the Mayo Clinic, cortisol also “curbs functions that would be nonessential or harmful in a fight-or-flight situation.” Unfortunately, this includes lowering your body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid and collagen, key substances for keeping the skin plump and hydrated. Without an adequate supply of them, your skin thins and appears to age faster. Furthermore, high cortisol levels limit your body’s ability to fight internal inflammation and heal itself.

High cortisol levels limit your body’s ability to fight internal inflammation and heal itself.

Studies have shown that chronic stress may additionally lead to the development of insulin resistance, which can then cause higher levels of blood sugar that then contributes to glycation. Glycation can hinder your skin’s elasticity, thus contributing to wrinkles and premature aging.

The good news? There are some proven ways to manage stress that can be done anywhere and cost nothing!

3 every-day tips for managing stress

Lowering stress might seem like an impossible task in a world that can often feel out of control. However, a great amount of the stress that we feel is not caused by the stressor itself, but how we deal with that stressor. Doing yoga in the morning won’t end the world’s problems, but it will help you have the energy and health to be present for yourself and those around you.

Here are three ways to lower stress in your life, which can lead to healthier skin and a healthier you:

1. Exercise

Exercise increases antioxidants and lowers those damaging cortisol levels. Medical professionals everywhere recommend 30 minutes to an hour of exercise per day.

The Mayo Clinic heartily acknowledges the stress-reducing effects of exercise. With regular exercise you get an increase in endorphins, which helps your body learn to manage the fight or flight response, while also improving your overall physical and mental health.

2. Mindfully relax

Meditation has a myriad of beneficial effects to help you reduce and control stress. A 2019 study on college students found that “adopting a mindfulness practice for as little as once per week may reduce stress and anxiety.” And a 2020 study found that older adults who had consistent physical exercise and mental training (such as meditation) routines experienced better health and a higher quality of life.

Looking specifically at potential benefits for skin, a 2021 overview of mind/body therapies as dermatologic treatment strategies found that options including meditation “have been evaluated in the treatment of skin disease and have shown some benefits.”

Not into formal meditation? Instead, you can just mindfully breathe! Research from Harvard Medical School shows that taking slow, deep breaths triggers our relaxation response—which can help our bodies stop releasing cortisol and blocking the physical functions we need to keep our skin healthy and young.

The Swan Center’s Nurse Injector Jordan Dupree, BSN is a big fan of taking a little “me time” every single day. As a busy, working mother of two, she wants to remind us all it’s okay to take care of yourself, especially in times of stress. She offered a great tip for those short on time: your daily skincare routine can become a meditation. Make it a time to peacefully set all other thoughts aside, and focus on breathing deeply and lovingly caring for your appearance. As you cleanse and apply products to your skin, use gentle, consistent motions that feel soothing and impart a feeling of relaxation.

Nurse Injector Jordan Dupree, BSN offered a great tip for those short on time: your daily skincare routine can become a meditation.

3. Don’t check your email after work hours

For many of us, work/life balance has suffered in recent years—the accessibility of email on our phones, working from home, and other factors can make it a struggle to define the end of the work day. Yet it is important to guard your personal time and get a definitive break from the stress of work. According to Science Daily, “those who have greater ‘boundary control’ over their work and personal lives were better at creating a stress buffer that helped protect them from falling into a negative-rumination trap.”

Working after hours can even affect the health of those around you: a 2018 study found that after-hour email expectations had a negative effect on employees and their spouse’s well-being. It’s an urgent enough health issue that certain European countries have implemented policies to protect citizens from overwork, supporting a human “right to disconnect.” Germany imposed guidelines in 2013, France took action in 2017, and Portugal passed measures in 2021 to help improve the mental and physical health of working people—all of which discourage bosses from contacting their employees after work hours.

The Mayo Clinic suggests setting boundaries to keep a good work-life balance which includes not checking your work email in the evenings or over the weekend. Your schedule may differ, but the takeaway here is to define hours that you are not available for work matters, allowing yourself time to decompress.

Has stress taken control of your skin health, Atlanta? We’re here to help!

Reducing stress is a critical part of a healthy life, but sometimes you need a little boost to refresh yourself. Many of our Atlanta medspa patients find regular skin treatments to be a relaxing way to get in a dose of “me time” with the added boost of renewed confidence.

Our expert medical spa team at The Swan Center in Atlanta can help complement your existing wellness and skin health routine with a variety of beneficial non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as microneedling and HydraFacial. Find a treatment perfect for your skin by scheduling a consultation with us or by calling us at (770) 667-0904.

Before working in aesthetics, I thought the amount of human intervention in the aging process was minimal. I knew that more sun exposure over time would lead to more wrinkles and a higher risk of skin cancers, like melanoma. I also knew that I could see “how I was going to age” in the faces of my parents and grandparents. I thought that was it. That using lotions, potions, and creams in fancy pots was not going to make a significant difference in my predetermined aging pattern.

Oh, how wrong I was!

Turns out, it’s a beautiful time to be alive. With technological advancements, we can greatly alter the aging process, and I am floored by the results walking out of our spa facility every single day. Using the Halo laser by Sciton, we are able to perform a hybridized fractional laser service without downtime. This procedure literally hits the “reset” button on your complexion, evening skin tone, erasing fine lines, and giving your skin the look of being airbrushed. They call it the “Halo Glow.” Cute, right?

BBL, or Broad-Band Light therapy, targets pigment and actually lifts them out of your skin. It’s like magic!

Sun spots? Gone. Rosacea? Gone. Acne pigmentation? Gone. Again, this is without downtime and a super quick procedure. BBL is perfect alone or in conjunction with other laser services. We can even zap the pigment out of surgical incision markings!

We offer laser peels, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and other skincare services too! We have everything you need to have the skin of your dreams. So, if you are like I was, thinking nothing more can be done, there is more than a little hope—there is Halo, baby! We are here to give you that heavenly complexion.