FAQ
Conveniently located to serve San Antonio, New Braunfels and Fredericksburg.
Microneedling Secret RF
What is Secret RF?
Secret RF is a novel approach to deliver fractional radio frequency (RF) energy to all layers of the skin with minimal damage to the skin’s surface. The multi-layered treatment is tailored to each individual and their skin type while addressing their unique skin concerns during each customized treatment. Secret is simply the product name for the Cutera device which delivers energy to levels of the dermis to reorganize and restore collagen and tighten your skin.
How does it work?
Secret RF uses mirconeedles to deliver radio frequency energy into varying levels of the skin including deeper layers where treatment is most beneficial. Unlike other devices which only deposit energy into the upper layer of the skin, Secret RF delivers RF energy below the surface where it’s needed most to help revitalize and regenerate the tissue. This unique delivery of energy allows us to achieve optimal results with little to no downtime on all skin types.
What skin conditions does it treat?
The Secret RF treatment is ideal for improving aging skin, photodamage, fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck, scars, acne scars, skin quality and striae. The treatment is safe, effective and suitable for all skin types and patients seeking skin revitalization.
What is the Secret RF procedure like?
Depending on the area(s) being treated, Secret RF can be performed in a quick 15 to 30 minute treatment session. During the treatment, you will feel slight heating and some pressure on the treatment area. For most patients, the treatment is tolerable but your physician will work with you to maximize your comfort level. Prior to the procedure, the spa staff will apply a numbing cream to the treatment area to increase comfort during the treatment.
How many treatments are needed to see results?
Patients typically need 3-4 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, to achieve optimal results (of course, depending on their customized treatment plan). Most patients report seeing improvements after the second treatment; however, results are optimized 3 months after the last treatment.
What can I expect after my procedure?
After the treatment, an ointment will be applied to the skin and you will be asked to refrain from wearing makeup for several hours. Any minor redness or swelling resulting from the treatment should subside in 12-24 hours. After the treatment, you can expect to return to normal activities.
Injectables
How long do results last?
Botulinum toxin last for about 3 months depending on dose and whether or not it is used regularly. If you come in regularly or at least every 3 months the dose will likely decrease slightly over time and the effect will last slightly longer. With filler, duration is dependent on the product used and the tissue injected. Tissue which moves more, such as lips or areas around the mouth, tends to have shorter duration than less animated regions like mid face, temple, and tear trough regions.
Can I bring my own vials?
No. Turquoise Springs adheres to the strictest standards of the medical practice act and only uses the best products and medications. We make absolutely certain the substances injected and the medications we use are stored properly and manufactured with the highest standards determined by the FDA and pharmacy manufacturing professionals.
Does skin type matter?
No, as long is there is no obvious abnormality of the skin. It is not appropriate to inject if there is evidence of infection, inflammation, severe or uncontrolled acne, viral/herpes infection, fever blisters, or cold sores present.
How quickly could I see results?
With botulinum toxin the results will be noticed in 7-10 days. With dermal filler for lips, creases and mid face volume loss, results will be noticed immediately.
Laser Skin Treatments
What’s the difference between Laser Genesis and IPL Limelight?
Laser Genesis is a non-ablative laser using a 1064 Yag beam to stimulate tissue with heat to reduce wrinkles, stimulate collagen and reduce inflammatory redness from sun damage.
The Limelight IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) laser uses broad band light to reduce discoloration, sun damaged pigment spots, and stimulate the tissue to reduce redness and promote healing from sun damage.
Is there downtime after these treatments?
There is very little downtime with non-ablative laser and light treatments. Laser Genesis and Limelight IPL are such non-ablative treatments. Laser Genesis is known as the “lunch time facial”. Ablative and fractionated treatments have more downtime but your doctor will make you aware if you should schedule well ahead of special events for more ablative therapies. It is always important to protect your skin from sun immediately after a treatment. Sun screen, sun screen, sun screen. And bring a hat or cap to the treatment to wear home.
How long does the treatment take?
It depends on the area being treated and how many passes are necessary. It might take 15 minutes for a small area or as much as an hour for an extensive treatment. Your clinician will always explain the plan of treatment prior to starting the procedure.
I have sensitive skin. Will this hurt my skin?
It is important you let your doctor know so a spot test can be given to see how your skin reacts. The clinician will start with low energy administered gently to see you how your skin reacts. You may be asked to pre treat with a topical cream for several weeks before the actual treatment is given.
Are their requirements for pre- and post-sun exposure?
Yes. No exposure to direct sun 3 days prior to the treatment and immediately after the treatment. Use sunscreen immediately after the treatment for the trip home.
How often can they be done?
Most treatments are done no sooner than one to two weeks apart. The Limelight IPL and Laser Genesis can be done at the same time or same clinic appointment if your doctor feels it is appropriate.
I have melasma (pregnancy mask). Can I still have this treatment?
Melasma can be made worse by heat energy treatments. You may need to be treated for up to six months with oral and/or topical medications before light and laser treatment would be appropriate. Melasma is a difficult problem but not impossible to treat if you have patience. Patience is the most important tool to bring to the battle against melasma.
Laser Hair Removal
What does it feel like?
Most patients say that at the least the treatment is slightly warm and at the worst a slight sting of a small rubber band.
Does hair color matter?
Yes, dark coarse hair is more easily treated. Gray, blonde, and red hair is the most difficult to treat. Hair color or dye makes no difference because the laser treats the bulb and root of the hair, not the surface hair.
How many treatments will I need to see results?
As few as one or two and as many as 4-6 treatments, depending on your individual needs. Your second treatment will happen when your hair is starting to grow again. Treatment is only effective in Anagen phase (active growth phase) of the hair follicle.
Do I need to shave prior to my appointment?
Yes. Since we are treating the follicle we do not need to “burn” your surface hair. It only causes smoke, smell, and toxins in the air. Shaving makes it safer for all and more pleasant for you and the clinician.
Can I wear make-up/ deodorant after the treatment?
Make-up may be worn immediately along with the necessary sunscreen. Refrain from deodorant for 12 hours after treatment.
Will I be red or sore after treatment?
Slight redness, follicular inflammation (slight redness at the base of each hair), and very little soreness may be present after a treatment. Most patients have no soreness. Sunscreen is important for any skin that is exposed to the sun after a treatment.
Laser Vein Treatment
What does it feel like?
It may feel like a small rubber band being snapped against the skin. It should not be any more intense than a short, small sting. Always let your clinician know if it is uncomfortable and the laser intensity can be adjusted for your comfort.
How many treatments will I need to see results?
One treatment may be as many as is needed, but most of the time follow up treatments will be required. Vein treatment can sometimes be like “whack a mole” as others will rise up after some veins have been closed. Your doctor may decide the best initial treatment is sclerotherapy to close larger vessels, before closing the smaller “spider” like veins with heat or laser energy.
Will I bruise?
It is very likely there will be some darkening of the vein that has been treated. This may last for several weeks to several months. Overt bruising is unlikely, but possible if the vein ruptures due to the application of the laser heat.
What happens to the vein/ blood that is treated?
It closes down due to the heat energy delivered and no longer functions. Your body will dissolve it and get rid of it. The blood flow your body needs will then run through other vessels deeper, under the skin, without missing a beat.
Body Contouring
What is truSculpt iD®?
truSculpt iD allows you to personalize your ideal body with a revolutionary non-surgical, body-sculpting treatment. Its comfortable, safe, and effective technology is clinically proven to permanently eliminate fat cells in stubborn areas around your abdomen and flanks.
Am I a candidate for truSculpt iD?
Because truSculpt iD is a customized and tailored treatment to meet individual needs, most adult men and women are a candidate.
Can truSculpt iD be used on all skin types?
Yes, this treatment can be done on all skin types and over tattoos.
How long does a treatment take?
Procedure time depends on the size and number of treatment areas. It typically takes 15 to 30 minutes to treat the abdomen and flanks.
How many treatments will be needed?
Multiple areas can be treated in as little as one 15-minute session. Additional treatments may be required to achieve the personalized results you desire.
What will the treatment feel like?
truSculpt iD procedures are typically described as feeling like a hot stone massage. During treatment, the temperature of your skin will rise but remain comfortable. It’s effective, safe, and the results are even and consistent.
Is there really no downtime?
Post-procedure, the treatment area will be warm and flushed for less than one hour. While you may experience mild sensitivity to the touch for a few days, you’ll be able to immediately return to normal activities and exercise.
When will I see results?
Results are visible after just one treatment, with maximum results seen after 12 weeks. Additional treatments may be required to achieve the personalized results you desire.
Hair Restoration
Can this be done in one visit?
No. The best results in the medical literature have been seen after three to four treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart. For that reason, our medical director will only do this procedure if you agree to do at least 3 treatments. We wish to make sure we can give you the best result possible.
What results can I expect?
It is possible your hair follicles cannot be stimulated to produce a viable hair follicle again. In most patients, however, hair growth will begin with wispy, fine hair and progress to thicker and more viable hair growth by the end of the third treatment. A fourth treatment may be indicated depending on progress.
How many treatments do I need to see results?
At least three treatments, four weeks apart. At times a fourth treatment is necessary.
Does hair color matter?
However, the younger the patient, the more likely the treatment will be successful. It is better to start when hair is first thinning than to wait until the hair is thinning, graying, or absent.
Vitamin Infusion
Can this be done in one visit?
No. The best results in the medical literature have been seen after three to four treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart. For that reason, our medical director will only do this procedure if you agree to do at least 3 treatments. We wish to make sure we can give you the best result possible.