Injecting Happiness One Face at a Time
by Pam Houghton
Ten minutes, ten years, is LaNae Harsch's favorite slogan. A former labor and delivery nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University, LaNae helps her clients look younger with cosmetic injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers. In minutes, she can rewind the clock to what your face looked like ten years ago.
LaNae, who left her career in traditional nursing to provide cosmetic injectable services through Spa America, says that injectables are less invasive than cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is a lifelong decision in which your face is altered in a permanent way. Injectables such Botox and filler are temporary. You can get back your youthful look without dramatic surgery.
FROM LABOR AND DELIVERY TO BOTOX AND FILLERS
Though LaNae loved the joyful atmosphere of labor and delivery, she was ready for a career change. After training in the evolving field of injectables, she partnered with businesswoman Karla Gilboe to provide cosmetic injectable services in three metro Detroit Spa America locations.
It's much different than traditional nursing, said LaNae, noting that it is less intense. I always liked the happy aspect of nursing. I love to see people pleased with their results and cosmetic injectables provide that satisfaction.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOTOX AND FILLERS?
LaNae explains that Botox and fillers work differently. Botox relaxes lines caused by muscle movement and is used in the upper half of the face. Fillers fill in lines and plump up certain areas and are used in the lower half of the face.
One of the more popular Botox procedures is the natural liquid eyebrow lift. It gives back more life to the eyebrows, so you have a relaxed, refreshed appearance, said LaNae.
But she also says the variety of looks you can achieve with fillers is amazing. Put some in the cheek area to give some volume and suddenly, the client's face can look drastically softer without making them look tired. Filler has come a long way in the past two years.
Most clients aren't looking for a drastic change, but after having some work done, friends and family often ask, What's different about you? Did you get a new hairdo or makeup? says LaNae. It's so natural looking, you can't tell the work was done.
She comically warns clients that the results are mentally addictive. With an uncertain economy, people don't spend quite as much on self-improvement, but they still want cosmetic procedures. Little luxuries like massages and mani/pedis feel good. But with Botox and fillers, they see long-term results. They'd rather spend their money on that, said LaNae.
HOW LONG DO BOTOX AND FILLERS LAST?
Results from Botox usually last four months, LaNae said. If you continue with Botox, you'll get longer lasting results because you'll relax the muscles more and more.
LaNae said fillers last about a year, especially if you get repeat procedures, because they stimulate collagen production. They also take a little longer than Botox to inject. Even though Botox is a very quick procedure, LaNae spends at least half an hour with each client.
I like to focus on individualizing each treatment. It's important to come up with a plan together after discussing what the individual wants to accomplish. They may not be aware of all their options. They may not realize how refreshed they can look by plumping up the cheek area.
She also considers it her job to make the client feel comfortable when they arrive for procedures at Spa America. It's unusual if you aren't nervous before coming in. Luckily, I can take time with my clients, all the time that they need.