The Brightwood

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Brightwood's Approach to aesthetics?

At The Brightwood, we have a very strong guiding principle: less is more. We believe in micro-optimizations and will never let you look overdone or unnatural. The best aesthetic work is a subtly refreshed appearance without being able to pinpoint exactly what was done. Our medical team is composed of top aesthetic practitioners, overseen by our rigorous training program.

Does The Brightwood have a referral program?

Yes! Receive a $50 credit for each person you refer to The Brightwood. They’ll get a $50 credit too!

What is your cancellation policy?

Please notify us a minimum of 72 hours ahead of your appointment to cancel or reschedule to avoid a $50 late fee. Same-day cancellations and no-shows will be charged a $150 fee.

If you arrive more than 10 minutes late for an appointment, we will do our best to see you, but you may be asked to reschedule.

Do you take insurance, alle pay or care credit?

We accept credit cards, cash, ALLE Pay and Care Credit. We do not accept insurance.

Should I leave gratuity after my appointment?

We do not accept gratuity. We would greatly appreciate a review of your experience on Google.

Wrinkle Relaxers

What is the downtime? Can I go back to work afterwards?

Wrinkle relaxers like Botox and Dysport typically require minimal or no downtime. You may have temporary redness and swelling at the injection sites, which typically resolve in less than an hour. You can return to your daily routine immediately. As with any injectable treatment, there is a risk of bruising. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and inversions for 12 hours which may increase the risk of bruising.

When can I expect to see results? How long do results last?

The effects of wrinkle relaxers such as Botox or Dysport typically begin to appear in three to five days with full results in two weeks, and gradually wear off over three to six months.

Does it hurt?

Guests typically report little to no pain with wrinkle relaxers. We keep guests as comfortable as possible throughout the process.

When should I start getting Wrinkle Relaxers?

There is no magic number. Guests will often come in for an initial skin consult when they begin to notice fine lines or deeper wrinkles at rest.

Can I receive a Wrinkle Relaxer treatment while pregnant?

No, visit us when you’re ready––we’d love to help you with your postpartum skincare journey.

What areas can be treated with Wrinkle Relaxers?

Wrinkle relaxers can be used to temporarily smooth lines on the forehead, between brows, crow’s feet and around the lips and mouth. They can also be used to soften lines on the neck as well as for slimming of the jawline.

Wrinkle Relaxers pre-treatment guidelines

Please note:
• We do not treat women who are pregnant.
• Any vaccination two weeks before and after aesthetic injectable procedures may affect the treatment’s efficacy.

Avoid alcohol, aspirin or NSAIDS (Advil, Aleve and Motrin) and high-sodium foods 24 hours before and after treatment as they may increase the risk of bruising or swelling. Please consult with your primary physician before discontinuing any medications.

Arnica and Bromelain are natural supplements that can help reduce swelling and bruising, when taken two or more days prior to treatment.

Wrinkle Relaxers post-treatment guidelines

Wrinkle Relaxers typically require minimal or no downtime. You can return to your daily routine immediately.

You may experience temporary redness and swelling at the injection sites, which typically resolve in less than an hour.

Use Tylenol as needed for soreness. Avoid aspirin and NSAIDS (Advil, Aleve and Motrin) as they may increase the risk of bruising. Avoid strenuous exercise and inversions for 24 hours. Avoid intense heat such as saunas for 72 hours. Avoid any type of facial massage or face-down massage table or chair for 10-14 days.

You may apply light makeup the following day.

The effects of wrinkle relaxers typically begin to appear in three to five days with full results in two weeks, and gradually wear off over the next three to six months.

We recommend a follow up two to three weeks post-appointment. We offer complimentary touch ups up to two weeks post-appointment.

Dermal Fillers

What is the downtime? Can I go back to work afterwards?

You may have temporary redness and swelling at the injection sites and in the treated areas. You can return to your daily routine immediately.

As with any injectable treatment, there is a risk of swelling and bruising. Swelling and bruising typically resolve in a few days but can take up to two weeks.

We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and inversions for 12 hours following your treatment, which may increase the risk of bruising.

When can I expect to see results?

Results are immediate. There may be swelling around the areas that have been treated which typically resolves in a few days but can take up to two full weeks.

How long do results last?

Typically, you can expect filler results to last six to nine months.

Does it hurt?

We numb the area with the strongest numbing agent available to minimize any pain. Guests typically report little to no pain. While some soreness can be expected, pain or discoloration is not normal. Please alert us immediately if you are experiencing pain or discoloration following your treatment.

When should I start getting Fillers?

There is no magic number. Guests will often come in for an initial Skin Consult when they notice something they don’t like such as fine lines or deeper wrinkles at rest. We do not treat minors, regardless of parental consent.

How far in advance of my wedding should I come in?

We recommend coming in for a complimentary Skin Consult shortly after your engagement. We will assess your skin’s current status and discuss desires for the wedding day as well as all of the events leading up to it. We will create a comprehensive plan to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Can I receive a Dermal Filler treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No, we do not treat pregnant or breastfeeding women. Visit us when you’re ready––we’d love to help you with your postpartum beauty journey.

What areas can be treated with Dermal Fillers?

Fillers can be used to temporarily restore volume and contour various facial areas including cheeks, lips, smile lines, under eyes, jawline, chin and marionette lines.

One syringe of filler is the equivalent of ⅕ tablespoon, or roughly the volume of a blueberry. Your practitioner will assess the areas and amount recommended for optimal results.

Pre-treatment guidelines

Please note:
• We do not treat women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Avoid dental procedures two weeks before and after any filler treatments around the mouth, which can stir up naturally occurring bacteria.
• Any vaccination four weeks before and after aesthetic injectable procedures may affect the treatment’s efficacy.

Avoid alcohol, aspirin or NSAIDS (Advil, Aleve and Motrin) and high-sodium foods 24 hours before and after treatment as they may increase the risk of bruising or swelling. Please consult with your primary physician before discontinuing any medications.

Arnica and Bromelain are natural supplements that can help reduce swelling and bruising, when taken two or more days prior to treatment.

Alert your practitioner if you have a history of cold sores—an antiviral medication may be prescribed preventatively.

Post-treatment guidelines

Safety is our number one priority. While some soreness can be expected, pain and discoloration is not normal. Please alert us immediately if you are experiencing pain or discoloration following your treatment.

You may experience temporary redness at the injection sites, which typically resolve in less than an hour. It can take up to two weeks for swelling to completely subside.

Use Tylenol as needed for soreness. Avoid aspirin and NSAIDS (Advil, Aleve and Motrin) as they may increase the risk of bruising.

Avoid strenuous exercise and inversions for 24 hours. Avoid intense heat such as saunas for 72 hours. Avoid any type of facial massage or face-down massage table or chair for 10-14 days.

You may apply light makeup the following day.
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Dermal filler results are immediate and gradually wear off over six to nine months.

AquaGold

What is AquaGold? How does it work?

AquaGold is a patented 24k gold-plated micro-injection system that painlessly delivers custom solutions into the skin at the ideal 600 micron depth to reach the dermis. This device can be customized with ingredients tailored to your specific skin needs, such as wrinkle relaxers, hyaluronic acid and vitamins, and then applied gently to the surface of the skin.

AquaGold treatment can decrease redness in the skin, decrease oil production, improve acne and enlarged pores and improve fine lines.

AquaGold has no effect on the underlying muscles so can be used in tandem with traditional wrinkle relaxer and filler treatments.

Unlike many other treatments, AquaGold can be used close to the eye area.

What is the downtime? Can I go back to work afterwards?

There is typically little to no downtime with AquaGold. You may experience some pinkness to the skin immediately after treatment which typically subsides in a few hours.

When can I expect to see results?

Results peak in five to seven days and typically last up to a month.

How long do results last?

AquaGold results include redness reduction, shrinking the appearance of pores and brightened, glass-like appearance to the skin, typically last up to a month.

Does it hurt?

Guests typically report little to no discomfort during treatment.

How far in advance of my wedding should I come in?

We recommend coming in for a complimentary skin consult shortly after your engagement. We will assess your skin’s current status and discuss goals for your big day as well as all of the events leading up to it. We will create a comprehensive plan to achieve your aesthetic goals.

For AquaGold, you'll want to receive treatment five to seven days ahead of any event.

Can I receive an AquaGold treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No, we do not treat pregnant or breastfeeding women. Visit us when you’re ready––we’d love to help you with your postpartum beauty journey.

What areas can be treated with AquaGold?

AquaGold is most commonly used all over the face and down the neck. It can also be used on the decolletage.

Pre-treatment guidelines

Please note: We do not treat women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Post-treatment guidelines

You may experience temporary pinkness to the skin, which typically resolves in a few hours.

You may apply light makeup the following day. Avoid skincare products with active ingredients for 24 hours post treatment.

We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Avoid intense heat such as saunas for 72 hours.

AquaGold results typically appear in five to seven days and last four to six weeks.

Microneedling & PRP

What is Microneedling & PRP? How does it work?

Microneedling works in three simple steps, designed to activate the skin’s natural healing process. Following each session, the skin begins to heal itself, looking more renewed and rejuvenated over time. A series of treatments may be recommended.

• Inflammation - Microneedles penetrate the skin’s surface, triggering a natural immune response to disinfect, remove debris, increase blood flow, and activate the creation of new tissue.
• Proliferation - The micro-channels or tiny holes created by microneedling are rebuilt with new cells, including collagen proteins. Additionally, a new network of blood vessels develops.
• Remodeling - New dermal tissues form, rich in collagen and elastin proteins. These proteins improve skin quality, visibly reducing facial acne scars and neck wrinkles, leaving skin more smooth, radiant, and youthful-looking.

At The Brightwood, we use SkinPen, an FDA-cleared device.

What is the downtime? Can I go back to work afterwards?

Skin can be quite red immediately post-treatment but typically goes away within a few hours. Redness and flaking of the skin can occur for up to seven days post treatment.

Adding PRP to your treatment speeds up healing response times.

When can I expect to see results? How long do results last?

In the short-term, microneedling minimizes acne scars and makes skin look more radiant. Over the next few weeks collagen remodeling will begin for long-term results.

Treating the skin with multiple microneedling sessions spaced at least one month apart can produce an optimal increase in collagen and skin elasticity.

Does it hurt?

We numb the area with the strongest numbing agent available to minimize any pain. Guests typically report little to no pain.

Can I receive an Microneedling & PRP treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding?

We do not treat pregnant or breastfeeding women. Visit us when you’re ready––we’d love to help with your postpartum beauty journey.

What areas can be treated with Microneedling?

Microneedling can be done all over the face and down the neck.

Pre-treatment guidelines

Please note:
• We do not treat women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Those with a history of keloid scarring are not a candidate for microneedling.

Alert your practitioner if you have a history of cold sores—an antiviral medication may be prescribed preventatively.

Post-treatment guidelines

While typically less, there can be up to two week of recovery after a microneedling treatment.
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You may experience temporary redness to the skin, which typically resolves in a few hours. Skin may feel tight the next day and begin flaking.

Avoid makeup for 24 hours post treatment. Medical-grade, sterile cosmetics may be used as needed. Follow the post-treatment skincare protocol recommended by your practitioner.

We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Avoid intense heat such as saunas for 72 hours.

Microneedling results will continue to improve as collagen is remodeled of the next several weeks. A series of treatments may be recommended for optimal results.

Chemical Peels

What is a chemical peel? How does it work?

Chemical peels help remove damaged skin cells, allowing healthy skin to take its place to reveal brighter, smoother and renewed skin. Chemical peels can target a variety of unique skin concerns, including acne, signs of aging and hyperpigmentation, as well as specific concerns on the face, neck & chest.

At The Brightwood, we use a unique technology that helps the acids penetrate deeper into the skin with minimal irritation on the surface. Each chemical peel is packed with powerful acids that deliver consistent, reliable exfoliation.

What is the downtime? Can I go back to work afterwards?

Downtime varies depending on the peel you receive and your skin condition prior to treatment. Some peels may have little to no downtime while others may have several days of redness and peeling.

When can I expect to see results? How long do results last?

With some lighter peels results may be seen immediately, while stronger peels can take three to seven days to reveal full results. Chemical peels remove dead and damaged skin cells.

Length of results often depends on post-treatment skincare––particularly sunscreen––routine.

Does it hurt?

During the treatment, a mild tingling, itching or heating sensation may be temporarily experienced.

Can I receive a Chemical Peel while pregnant or breastfeeding?

We do not treat pregnant or breastfeeding women. Visit us when you’re ready––we’d love to help with your postpartum beauty journey.

What areas can be treated with a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels can be applied to the face and chest. Some lighter peels may be applied to the neck.

Pre-treatment guidelines

Please note: We do not treat women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Stop retinol and skincare products with active ingredients five to seven days prior to your chemical peel treatment.
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Alert your practitioner if you have a history of cold sores—an antiviral medication may be prescribed preventatively.

Post-treatment guidelines

Depending on the depth of the peel, downtime can vary and be up to two weeks. Please consult with your practitioner beforehand.
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Wait a minimum of four hours before treated skin has any contact with water.

Flaking and peeling may occur within the next two weeks, although it is not required to achieve optimal results. Do not rub, scratch or pull on the areas that were treated.

All peels may cause sensitivity to heat and sun for several days. Avoid sun exposure by wearing protective clothing and sunscreen.

Avoid using products with retinoids, AHAs or BHAs until skin has completely healed. Do not use scrubs or abrasive cleansers.

Light makeup may be applied the next day.

We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Avoid intense heat such as saunas for 72 hours.

At-Home Skincare Regimen

What is The Regimen?

“The Regimen” is our seriously simple and effective skincare product line. Our clients were tired-of or completely confused by some of the twelve-step skincare routines out there. They were craving clarity and effect results and we heard them loud and clear.
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The Regimen is designed to be four products broken down into three simple steps in the morning and evening. Formulated with higher levels of active ingredients, these medical-grade products deliver visible results.
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The key to great skin is a combination of professional treatments and consistent at-home skincare. We like to say, you wouldn’t go to the dentist and not brush in between appointments––the same goes for skincare. That’s where The Regimen comes in.

What are the products?

The Cleanser: Cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine. Start by removing any makeup, then using The Cleanser, which gently removes product buildup and environmental impurities without stripping the skin.

‍The Retinol: Retinol helps increase skin cell turnover, which, as we age, decreases exponentially. Consistent use of this ingredient is key to keep skin looking fresh and rejuvenated.

‍The Moisturizer: Packed with firming and protective ceramides, The Moisturizer locks in hydration and soothes skin.

‍The Sunscreen: SPF is the final step in an effective skincare routine. Use it every morning, no matter the weather or whether you’ll be indoors. Sun exposure is a major aspect of premature skin aging.

When do I use each product?

Mornings
Step 1: The Cleanser
Step 2: The Moisturizer
Step 3: The Sunscreen

Evenings
Step 1: The Cleanser
Step 2: The Retinol
Step 3: The Moisturizer

When can I expect to see results?

This will depend on your current skin condition and routine. Some may see results quickly while others may build over time. Please book a complimentary consult to discuss your unique skincare needs.

Doesn’t retinol cause skin irritation and purging?

Retinol promotes cell turnover, which means that it brings new cells to the surface but in the process, it can also bring oil and debris that was trapped deeper underneath.
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Start low and slow when introducing retinol into your routine. We recommend a low-concentration formula once or twice a week so that skin can acclimate. With time you can ramp things up to more frequent application. Another trick is to “sandwich” retinol between a moisturizer i.e. apply a moisturizer first, then your retinol then moisturizer again to temper the effect.

Is it meant for all skin types?

The Regimen is designed around the foundational elements of effective skincare. While everyone is unique, these four steps are the basis of caring for, renewing and protecting the skin. The Regimen can be tailored or customized if necessary.

How much of each product should I be using?