Posted: 2/19/03

The syringe of youth?

Jessica Foster
Staff Writer

For about the price of a daily lattÈ, many women and men are finding the fountain of youth at the base of a needle. Botox can decrease those fine lines and wrinkles and eliminate pesky brow furrowsóall in the comfort of an upscale salon and day spa.

La GrandÈ Salon and Day Spa, 44 S. Lake St., Forest Lake, offers Botox and consultations on plastic surgery on a regular basis.

Cindy Winnick owns La GrandÈ and has received several positive remarks since adding the service last fall.

ìMore and more people are coming in regularly,î Winnick said. ìThe feedback has been wonderful.î

Dr. James P. Wire, a plastic surgeon with offices in Waconia, Fridley and Chaska, met Winnick through a friend and spa owner.

After meeting and Wire touring the Forest Lake place of beauty, the two forged a business partnership.

He makes the journey to La GrandÈ every four weeks. His next visit is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5. At the spa, he performs Botox injections and offers consultations on a wide range of services including breast augmentation, liposuction, removal of spider veins, face lifts and other services.

While appointment slots with Wire generally book up at La GrandÈ, some clients are following through on other procedures at one of Wireís office sincluding one regular client who opted to have a full face lift done.

She said she is happy with the results. Winnick, who is becoming accustomed to hearing positive comments about Wire, said her clients feel relaxed in their salonóthe place they get their hair cut, where they talk to stylists like theyíre their best girl friends, where they let massage therapists stroke their worries away and where they go before their most special of occasions to look beautiful.

ìYes, it is a cosmetic thing, but it also makes people feel good.î Winnick said. ìPeople come here to look good and feel good. When you look good, you feel good.î

Wire, who also consults at Sanctuary Day Spa in Hutchinson, said the partnership with salon owners is beneficial for all parties.

It opens up the world of plastic surgery to those who never would enter a plastic surgeonís office, and the relaxed atmosphere is a place where prospective clients can have queries answered confidentially.

Results

Instead of looking like they have ìhad something doneî Wire said those who have Botox generally look more refreshed, and less crabbyósince frowning is not a problem with Botox.

While Botox is in the muscle, new wrinkles and lines do not form and the facial muscles are not repeatedly scrunching up.

Wire said Botox works best for individuals 30-50-years old who do not have excessive skin problems.

Since the procedure is so brief, Wire said clients can have the consultation and the procedure at the same appointment. Still, Wire stresses, this is a professional appointment.

ìJust because this is in a salon, it still requires medical history and asking questions. I donít want to be cavalier about it,î he said. ìI like to spend time with my clients and give them what they want.î

After treatment, Winnick follows up with clients, making sure they are happy with the results. Wire also keeps track of patientsí progress.

ìSo far, every single person has said, I love it,î Winnick said. ìPeople donít know what you did but they think you look better.î

About Botox

Botox, the trade name for botulinum toxin A or a purified protein produced by Clostridium botulinum bacterium, was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for cosmetic use.

ìIt is minimally invasive procedure where you can see dramatic effects,î Wire said.

Botox has been used to treat various medical conditions since 1989. In the past year, the American Association of Plastic Surgeons reports a half million Americans have had the procedure done.

Botox is administered via a series of injections by a small needle.

ìSimilar to needles diabetics use,î Wire explained. ìItís a great product because it is a non-invasive product.

The full effect of Botox likely will not be evident until 3 to 7 days after the injection. The results last 3 to 5 months before facial muscles go back to pre-application appearance.

While there may be some stinging or redness at the injection site, the treatment is virtually painless, Wire said.

Side effects reportedly are minimal but may include slight bruising, drooping of the eye lid or nausea.

ìBotox is a purified protein, highly purified,î Wire said. ìIt is safe if used properly.î

If there is a negative side effect, it will be short lived, Wire said.

ìThe medicine disappears in 3 to 6 months if there is a problem,î he added.

Cost

Clients can expect to spend $450 for their first treatment with Dr. Wire, which can cover multiple facial areas. Subsequent treatments are $350. With the lag between treatments anywhere from three to five months, customers can expect to spend about $1000 annually, give or take.

Insurance does not pay for Botox, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. Costs for other services offered by Dr. Wire vary.

Salon hours

La GrandÈ Salon and Day Spa is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. La GrandÈ can be reached by calling 651-464-4371.

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