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12.08.2020

What’s the Difference Between Botox and Dysport?

The most obvious hallmark of aging is the slow development of wrinkles on the face, which occur as a natural result of aging when the production of skin-supporting proteins like collagen and elastin decline. But just because we expect wrinkles doesn’t mean we have to make peace with them or be happy about their appearance! The answer to your wrinkle woes might be Botox or Dysport. At ProMD Health in Baltimore, MD, we are prepared to answer all of your questions about our treatments, including explaining the difference between Botox and Dysport.

What’s the Difference Between Botox and Dysport?

Even if you’re new to cosmetic treatments, you’ve probably heard enough in passing to understand that both Botox and Dysport are anti-aging treatments intended to relax the appearance of wrinkles on the face. But it often seems like these treatments are treated interchangeably, so what’s the difference between them?

The main differences can be found in the composition of the injections, the areas of treatment, and how long each treatment lasts. But there are many other differences that you may want to consider before seeking treatment, including:

Botox

Formula and Composition

The main ingredient for Botox is a purified form of botulinum type A, which is a neurotoxin the blocks the transmission of neurotransmitters associated with muscle movement. When injected into the skin, Botox relaxes the facial muscles to prevent them from moving and smooths out the appearance of wrinkles, which can also help prevent the worsening of wrinkles.

The composition of this injection is concentrated and thicker than other similar neurotoxin injectables. Once injected, Botox remains in one area without spreading until the ingredients of the treatment are naturally metabolized by the body. This is an advantage for Botox, especially for those with more severe wrinkles.

Areas of Treatment

Botox is traditionally used to smooth both horizontal forehead lines and glabellar lines, the verticle lines that form between the eyebrows. However, Botox can also be used to treat crow’s feet and marionette lines, which are wrinkles around the mouth. Recently, Botox is also being used on lips for lip flips, which is when the injection is used to relax the muscle above the upper lip to make the lip appear fuller. Other areas of treatment for Botox include:

  • Bunny lines
  • Nasolabial folds
  • Lip lines
  • Jaw
  • Platysma bands
  • Hyperhydrosis

How Soon Can You See Results?

Results for Botox generally take about 5 to 7 days to appear, although for some people results make take up to 3 to 4 weeks to become obvious. Results include smoothing of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles at the injection sites.

How Long It Lasts

Botox has some of the longest-lasting results of all injectable treatments, particularly among neurotoxins. On average, this treatment lasts for 3 to 4 months, and sometimes up to 6 months or more depending on how many units were involved in your treatment and how well you respond to the formula.

Safety

Botox has long been deemed a safe cosmetic treatment for the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and is a trusted household name for anti-aging treatments. Botox has also been cleared by the FDA for the treatment of other conditions, such as migraines. The safety of this treatment is due to the purified formula, which significantly decreases the chance of unintended side effects.

Cost

One of the key differences between these neurotoxins is the cost. Compared unit to unit, Botox injections are slightly more expensive, although because the formula is so concentrated, you may require fewer units to address your appearance-related concerns.

Who Its For

Botox is intended for patients who have moderate to severe wrinkles on the face as well as patients who have wrinkles caused by tense muscles on other areas, such as the neck or the area between the breasts and underarms.

Dysport

Formula and Composition

Dysport also uses a form of botulinum type A and performs the same function of reducing the movement of muscles in the face. However, the difference in the formulas is clear: this injection uses diluted botulinum, meaning that the overall effects of the injection are more subtle, even if the treatment itself is more versatile.

The composition of this treatment is key. Unlike Botox, this injection has a thinner, more malleable texture that makes it easy for the injection to spread beneath the skin and cover a wider surface area. What this means for patients is that the thinner composition of this injection produces a more natural-looking result overall.

Areas of Treatment

Like Botox, the primary areas of treatment for this injectable are glabellar lines between the brows and the forehead. However, this treatment is also frequently used in other areas, such as:

  • Under-eye
  • Nasolabial folds
  • Bunny lines
  • Crow’s feet
  • Gingival display
  • Lip lines

How Soon Can You See Results?

Typically, patients can see results from this treatment within 3 to 5 days after their appointment. The effects of treatment will be subtle at first and reach full results within 1 to 2 weeks.

How Long It Lasts

The results for this treatment last an average of 3 to 4 months. Results may last longer when used with other injectable or cosmetic treatments, or if your appearance-related concerns are more moderate than severe.

Safety

Like other neurotoxin injectables, this treatment is considered safe to use on most adult patients. This is partly because the diluted form of botulinum type A has a very low risk of unintended side effects or toxicity. This treatment, although newer than Botox, has passed several FDA clinical trials.

Cost

One key difference about this treatment is that this injectable is about half the price – or less – of Botox by the unit. What this means in practical terms is that your treatment may be more affordable if you are using this product, particularly if you do not have to have more units to handle more severe appearance-related concerns.

Who Its For

Like Botox, this treatment is intended for patients who have moderate to severe fine lines and wrinkles, particularly on the upper face region. However, this treatment is also compatible with patients who have minor fine lines and wrinkles, as the formula spreads more evenly for milder concerns.

Which Neurotoxin Is Better?

Many patients struggle with making the decision between these two neurotoxin injectables. Some want to know if one injectable is better than the other – and the truth is that they both have their advantages and disadvantages. Determining which treatment is better for you will depend on your specific needs, such as the severity of your anti-aging concerns and the areas that require treatment. We can help you decide which treatment is best for you according to your unique needs and goals.

Can You Use Both Treatments?

While it’s not advisable to use both treatments at the same time, you can alternate treatments between these two neurotoxin injectables. In fact, alternating treatments might be better in the long run.

The main ingredient in these treatments, botulinum type A, has a high probability of creating tolerance in your body the longer it is used. What this means is that frequent, repeated treatments of the same concentration of botulinum type A can make treatments less effective over an extended period of time. In order to prolong the effectiveness of these treatments, some experts recommend alternating between different neurotoxin injectables to limit the amount of tolerance your body can build.

Can You Use This Treatment With Others?

Yes! Both of these neurotoxins can be used in conjunction with several other cosmetic treatments, dermal fillers in particular. Many patients opt to combine both fillers and neurotoxins to have a more comprehensive, rejuvenating result from treatment. Patients can also combine these treatments with facials, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing.

The key to combining treatments with neurotoxin injections is both purpose and timing. Each of your cosmetic treatments should fulfill a different purpose; for example, while neurotoxins smooth wrinkles, laser resurfacing or facials address superficial skin concerns, such as dark spots or sun damage. The timing of these treatments is also important, as you will want to wait 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after neurotoxin injections to have other treatments.

If you are interested in using either of these treatments in tandem with other cosmetic treatments, please let us know so we can help you create a treatment plan.

What Can You Expect From Treatment?

Consultation

Your initial appointment at our clinic will be a consultation, where we will discuss your appearance-related concerns, examine potential areas of treatment, go over your treatment options, and talk about reasonable expectations from treatment. Your consultation may also involve gathering pertinent information, such as previous cosmetic treatments you have had.

Your consultation will also likely involve an allergy test to determine if you are a good treatment for these neurotoxin injections.

Pre-Care Treatment Instructions

Before your treatment appointment, we will provide you with instructions to help you prepare for treatment. These pre-care instructions should be followed for 3 to 7 days before treatment and will include:

  • Avoid blood-thinning medications
  • Do not take certain herbal supplements
  • Avoid anti-aging skincare products, particularly Retinols
  • Do not wax, bleach, or tweeze treatment area
  • Do not drink alcohol

We ask that patients arrive at the treatment appointment with a clean face, meaning do not wear make-up, moisturizers, or lotions. You will not need to arrange for transportation after this appointment.

Treatment Step One: Clean and Numb

We will sterilize your face to create a clean canvas and apply a topical numbing cream for your comfort several minutes before your treatment begins.

Treatment Step Two: Injections

One of our skilled technicians will make several injections into your targeted areas of treatment. You may require more or fewer units than planned based on the severity of your concerns. This portion of the treatment will take less than 30 minutes.

Post-Care Treatment Instructions

After your appointment, we will provide you with post-care instructions to help guide you through recovery. These post-care instructions should be followed for 1 to 3 days and may include:

  • Perform facial exercises
  • Do not rub or scrub your face
  • Avoid extreme heat, sweating, and direct sunlight
  • Do not lie down or exercise for at least 3 hours

The majority of patients are fully recovered within 24 hours and may return back to normal daily activities, including work.

Who Are Good Candidates?

Anyone who has moderate to severe signs of aging, particularly fine lines and wrinkles, is likely a good candidate for these treatments. If you are not pregnant and not allergic to the active ingredients in this treatment, then you are qualified for these injections.

Ease Your Aging Woes With Botox and Dysport Today!

Just because natural aging has given you wrinkles doesn’t mean you have to live with them! It’s time to make a proactive effort about your appearance with efficient and reliable anti-aging treatments, such as Botox and Dysport. Contact the experts at ProMD Health in Baltimore, MD to schedule your initial consultation! We look forward to helping you make the best-informed decision about your future treatments so you can reach your aesthetic goals.

12.08.2020
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Kelly Cochran

Medical Esthetician

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Kelly Cochran a licensed esthetician with over 20 years of hands-on experience. Kelly has dedicated her career to quality outcomes and providing a luxury service to every patient she sees. As a ZO Skin Health Expert, Kelly works with her patients using in office services and at home treatments to award them the best results available. Come see Kelly for her personally designed custom Hydrafacials! In her spare time, Kelly enjoys ballroom and professional dancing and spending time with her friends and family.

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Medical Esthetician

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Jillian Krebs

CRNP

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Jillian has spent the last 6 years of her career working in neurosurgery with WellSpan Health, York PA. Jillian’s extensive surgical background and understanding of the head and neck make her an advanced practitioner in the field of medicine. Graduation from York College, as a Registered Nurse, Jillian immediately worked to become a certified Nurse Practitioner. She has spent 15 years of her career dedicated to the health and wellness of the patients surrounding her home town. Jillian has spent months training along side the brightest and most talented injectors in the world of esthetics and is thrilled to offer the patients of Westminster, MD her expertise. Jillian is passionate about health, wellness and ensuring her patients feel and look their very best. An avid athlete, Jillian spends her time with her fiancé and family enjoying the outdoors.

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Over the past four years, I've been a Certified Medical Electrologist (CME). I've collaborated with dermatologists and worked at medspas, performing a variety of laser treatments such as BBL, Moxi, laser hair removal, and acne treatments. Since I was young, I've always had a passion for helping people feel their best, and I'm fortunate to be able to do this through my career.

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Brynn Blackstock

Esthetic Consultant

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Brynn is one of our Esthetic Consultants. She graduated from Penn State University in 2021 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health. She brings over 5 years of experience in customer service within the beauty industry to the team. Brynn has a passion for helping others look and feel their best and strives to make each patient feel welcome at our practices.

Kaitlin Lemenze

Medical Esthetician

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Kaitlin Lemenze is our medical front desk and licensed medical esthetician. Kaitlin is patient focused and detailed-oriented. She is very personable and courteous in all interaction with patients and team members and skilled at anticipating physician and practice needs. Kaitln specializes in HydraFacial, medium depth chemical peels, dermaplaning, acne treatments, microneedling, skincare assessments, and in-depth treatment plans. All of Kaitlin's treatments incorporate goal oriented results while offering relaxation and pampering. Kaitlin is passionate about eshetics and helping others to love the skin they're in. 

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Ashley Santamaria

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Ashley Santamaria is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant with a master’s degree in Medical Science from Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has an extensive healthcare background of 12 years as a Patient Care Representative, Emergency Medical Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, and now as a Physician Assistant. She’s an active member of the FL Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Ashley fell in love with Esthetic Medicine because “it is where science meets art; where research marries creativity” and therefore has completed multiple neurotoxin and injectable certifications, along with a certification in hormonal optimization therapy.

Steele Bolton

RN

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Steele is a native Texan who has called DC home for almost 3 years! He first graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry, and then a degree in Nursing from Brookline College in Phoenix, Arizona. He has experience in various avenues of nursing ranging from the Neuro-Intensive Care Unit, to Orthopedics, Case Management, Home Health, as well as School nursing. He discovered his passion for anti-aging medicine as a client of a MedSpa in 2021 and could not be more excited to step into the industry. “My goal for each client is to feel more confident in themselves and their image with each step in the process of achieving their esthetic goals. The greatest feeling is knowing that you’ve helped boost someone’s confidence.”

Farah Hizoune

Esthetic Consultant

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Farah is a Baltimore native and our Esthetic Consultant for Tox Bar. Farah has always had a passion for making people feel beautiful and confident. As a current cosmetology student, she is always learning to grow her knowledge in all things beauty. She has worked in medical esthetics for over 3 years and is a certified makeup artist. She looks forward to using her broad beauty acumen to help our patients achieve their esthetic goals!

Cailie Murphy

CRNP

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Cailie is a Baltimore native who joined ProMD in August 2022 as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner. She received Bachelors degrees from University of Denver and Thomas Jefferson University. She also completed her Masters in Nursing from Thomas Jeff

Mariel Castronova

Medical Esthetician

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Mariel is our Medical Esthetician in the Columbia office. In addition to her esthetics certification from Fortis Institute, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Towson University in Human Services as she thoroughly enjoys working with and helping people. Her knowledge and passion surrounding skin care allows her to educate patients while building treatment plans based on skincare goals. Her previous experience in a spa setting allows her to cater to patients’ needs and expectations during treatment, while providing a relaxing environment.

Kathy Hoang

Esthetic Consultant

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Kathy is an esthetic consultant and studied Health Administration and Public Policy at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She has a strong passion for healthcare and the esthetics industry. She enjoys working with patients to create plans to achieve their esthetic goals. On the weekends, you can find her golfing or spending time with her family and friends.

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James Hogan

Esthetic Consultant

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James is one of our Esthetic Consultants. He graduated from the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland in 2021 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management and Business Analytics. Combining his love for esthetics and his experience in consulting and customer service, James has made it his passion to keep up with the ever-changing industry to serve as a knowledgeable resource to patients while providing exceptional care.

Natalie Aponte

Esthetic Consultant

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Natalie is one of our esthetic consultants at our Columbia location. She has been a part of the Columbia team for the past 3 years, where she worked as a front desk receptionist, and upon graduating from the University of Maryland at College Park, she has transitioned into the esthetic consultant position. Natalie has a passion for esthetics and aspires to attend medical school in the coming years with the intent of pursuing cosmetic dermatology. She is passionate about making patients feel confident and comfortable, and uses her customer service experience to ensure patients leave satisfied and feeling their best. She works hard to bring a positive attitude to the office, and offers a helping hand to all of our team members to ensure the office runs smoothly.

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Jennifer Aponte

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Jennifer is a Maryland native and lived in Columbia for 9 years before moving to Catonsville. She received her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from The University of Maryland College Park and completed her Master’s as a Physician Assistant from St. Francis University. Jen worked as a physician assistant at Prince George’s Hospital in obstetrics and gynecology before working for Concentra as an urgent care and occupational medicine physician assistant. She has always had an interest in cosmetic dermatology. She completed a rotation in dermatology and completed training under Dr. Gavrilla. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants.

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Meg Landymore

PA-C

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Meg is a Physician Assistant, board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She is a Baltimore-area transplant, originally from Connecticut, who moved after completing her Master’s as a Physician Assistant from Seton Hall University. Meg has over 9 years of experience in the fields of Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine, Occupational Medicine and Army medicine as a member of the Army National Guard. Meg brings her wealth of experience to clinical esthetics where she focuses on helping people look and feel their best. Meg underwent training under Dr. Gavrila and is certified in Botox, dermal fillers and hormone optimization therapy.

Paige Scott

Master Esthetician

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Paige has been in the beauty industry for 5 years. She has a passion for making people feel confident in their own skin. Paige’s combination of a personal and professional approach welcomes and comforts everyone who comes in for treatment. Paige passionately believes self care is the best care and the most beautiful thing you can wear is your own confidence.

Amanda Pittillo

PA-C

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Amanda is a Baltimore native and ingrained in the local community and surrounding areas. She received her Bachelor in Nursing from Salisbury University and completed her Master’s as a Physician Assistant from Towson University. Amanda worked for five years as a registered nurse in cardiac care and an emergency room nurse. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants. Her strong patient care background and attention to detail drives high expectations for quality in her work. “Patient satisfaction is a direct reflection of the quality of care I provide. I want every patient to leave my office feeling like a person and not a number.”

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Natalie Gavrila

Lead Esthetician

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Bio coming soon!

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Diana Gavrila

Senior Esthetician

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Jodie Snodgrass

Esthetician

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Bio coming soon!

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Jaclyn Fischer

Esthetic Consultant

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Jaclyn is one of our medical office assistants at our Timonium location. She graduated from Medix School in Towson as a certified Medical Office Assistant. Jaclyn has worked in the medical field and customer service for over 15 years. Jaclyn is passionate about esthetics and is here to help all of our patients have the best experience possible.

Yasmin Miremadi

Esthetic Consultant

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Yasmin Miremadi has been a Licensed Esthetician for 5 years. Graduating from Von Lee International School of Esthetics, she began her career specializing in facials and chemical peels. Yasmin enjoys putting together a skin care regimen based on patients specific needs. Most importantly she has a passion for helping others feel and look their best.

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Carmella Ellis

Esthetician

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Carmella is a Baltimore native who has always had a passion for skincare. It is this passion that led Carmella to receive her esthetician license under Diana Gavrila at Diana’s European Skin Care in 2014. For the last 8 years, Carmella has been able to bring her passion for skincare to all of her clients, where Carmella’s artistic eye and attention to detail are evident with every treatment. She has extensive experience working with people of all skin types, particularly individuals with aging skin, and skin prone to acne. She is always looking to learn more new and improved ways to better serve her clients, as technology and medical research are constantly evolving.

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Amanda Gauthier

PA-C

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Amanda is a board-certified physician assistant with over 4 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. She holds her Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University and completed her Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, mentors physician assistant students, and volunteers with the PA Foundation performing scholarship reviews. Amanda enjoys developing strong relationships with patients and being part of their transformative process. "I truly believe in natural-looking results, and I am passionate about helping patients look and feel their best from the inside out."

Hannah Keenan

Director of HRT

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Hannah is the Director of Hormone Optimization Therapy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science from Towson University with a focus in Nursing and Psychology. Hannah is dedicated to improving each patients health and quality of life through Hormone Optimization Therapy. She recognizes that each patient is a unique individual and takes pride in providing quality patient care and promoting a healthy lifestyle for everyone. Hannah is responsible for managing patient medications, answering any questions about the procedure process, as well as assisting the physicians during the patients procedure.

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Amber Elliot

RN

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Amber Elliott, a Registered Nurse, graduated from Baltimore County Community College in 2013. Immediately after completing her degree, she began working within the field of Esthetics. Amber’s skills and passion for all aspects within the industry have brought her to ProMD Health where she is the Laser Specialist. She helps clients with a wide range of issues such as hyper-pigmentation, acne and acne scarring, as well as uneven skin tone or texture. Additionally, Amber is skilled in the tattoo removal process, whether it is tattoo fading for cover ups or complete removal. Amber’s down to earth personality, along with her honest and genuine approach to skincare and medicine, allows patients to feel comfortable, safe and confident.

Christina Anyikwa, M.D.

Physician

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Christina Anyikwa is a physician from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a passion for helping patients look and feel their best. After graduating from Spelman College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Dr Anyikwa graduated from Ross University School of Medicine and later completed her residency training at the Medical College of Georgia. During her residency, Dr Anyikwa served as Chief Resident, where she led a team of residents and helped to coordinate patient care. After completing her residency training, Dr Anyikwa worked as a hospitalist physician in Washington DC for several years, where she gained valuable experience in managing complex medical cases and providing compassionate care to her patients. Her passion for esthetics and helping patients feel confident in their own skin led her to transition to medical esthetics with ProMD Health. As a medical esthetics provider, Dr Anyikwa combines her medical expertise and artistic eye to create personalized treatment plans that help her patients achieve their esthetic goals. Outside of work, Dr Anyikwa enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family and friends.

Madeline Eggerl

Esthetic Consultant

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Madeline is one of our Esthetic Consultant, she joined the ProMD Health team in 2021. Maddie received her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from College of Charleston in South Carolina. Working in the Esthetics Industry since 2018 she is knowledgeable about all things anti-aging, and loves working with customers to reach their esthetic goals.

Katelynn Evans

Esthetic Consultant

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Katelynn is one of our Esthetic Consultants, she joined the ProMD Health team in 2021. Katelynn graduated from University of Maryland with an Associates in Biology. She has over 8 years of experience in the medical field. Her attention to detail and care for each clients personal needs, provides our patients with a comfortable and pleasant experience.

Soraya Namazi

CRNP

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Soraya Namazi, a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, graduated from the University of Maryland with her Master’s in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader degree. Immediately after gaining her nursing license, she enrolled in a Nurse Practitioner program at Chamberlain University with the expected graduation date of Fall 2022. She fell in love with the world of esthetics and loves being able to combine her medical knowledge with her artistic hand to make people look and feel their best.

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Max Lenowitz

CRNP

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Max is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner that joined ProMD Health in June of 2021. He is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners who brings several years of experience in Dermatology, Cosmetic Dermatology, and Oncology focusing on identifying and treating skin cancers. Born and raised in Columbia, MD, Max returned back to the Greater Baltimore area after receiving degrees from Penn State University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Davenport University. He chose to specialize in cosmetics as he is passionate about how medicine and art can integrate to positively impact someone’s life. “Being able to make someone feel the best version of themselves is a unique and wonderful feeling.” Max’s bedside manner and attention to detail make him a great addition to the ProMD family.

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Molly Myers

Esthetic Consultant

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Molly is one of our medical office assistants. She brings experience from the beauty industry and customer service to the team. Molly uses her experience and skillset to make sure every one of our patients is delivered the best care and leaves feeling satisfied and beautiful.

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Skyla Barnett

CRNP

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Skyla is a New England native who recently moved to Maryland in 2021. She graduated with her Bachelor’s of Nursing in 2014 from Keene State College. From there, she worked as a neurology/neurosurgery RN for 6 years at Boston University Medical Center. Skyla completed her Master’s in Nursing from Regis College in 2021 and received certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner in the state of Maryland. Skyla approaches each patient encounter with enthusiasm. Her passion for making others feel great about themselves, along with her keen eye for detail generates beautiful patient outcomes.

Shannon Ballard

Esthetic Consultant

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Meet Shannon, an accomplished Esthetic Consultant passionate about helping people look and feel their best. Her journey began with a deep love for all things beauty-related.  After completing her education in Business Management, Shannon found her true passion in practicing cosmetology.  Shannon found that ProMD's core values aligned with her own and sought the opportunity to fulfill patient needs by providing direct patient care as an esthetic consultant for ProMD. 

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Kelly Battista

Esthetician

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Kelly is a board certified Registered Nurse and Skin Coach here at ProMD Health. She graduated with honors and earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from George Mason University in 2010. With 9 years of nursing experience and a true passion for skincare, Kelly brings up-to-date, effective, results-oriented medical esthetic services to ProMD Health. Kelly is an expert in comprehensive skin consultations, esthetic laser treatments, micro needling treatments, and hydra-facials. She takes great pride in her work and strives to make every visit a rewarding experience for her patients. As ProMD Health’s Skin Coach, Kelly believes “that investing in your skin is a benefit that lasts a lifetime.”

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Katarina Markulin

Master Esthetician

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Katarina has been practicing medical esthetics for 15 years. After completing her education in Master Esthetics from the prestigious Catherine Hinds Institute in Boston, she has gained extensive experience treating all different skin types. Katarina specializes in chemical peels and finds it very fulfilling to connect with her patients, establish trust, and give personal attention to detail and clientele needs. Katarina attends workshops and conferences with top vendors on a regular basis to widen her knowledge and improve her skills as she strives to offer the best possible level of service to her clients.

Tori Thursby

CRNP

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Tori graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and began working at University of Maryland in the Medical Intensive Care Unit. She then went on to be a travel intensive care nurse until joining the ProMD Health team in October 2021. Tori is currently attending Chamberlain University to earn her Master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner. Her desire is to make each patient feel comfortable and to take time to listen to each individual’s concerns. Tori sees both men and women for hormone related issues and is passionate about helping others feel their best and will use her clinical expertise to assist with our Hormone Optimization Therapy.

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Laken Tychostup

Director of Clinical Operations

About

Laken Tychostup has been an integral part of our team since 2017, bringing over 10 years of experience in the field of aesthetic medicine. In her role as the Director of Clinical Operations, Laken collaborates closely with Dr. Gavrila to ensure the smooth functioning of our clinical operations while prioritizing the delivery of excellent patient care by our staff.
Laken's expertise extends beyond daily operations; she also plays a key role in supporting our franchise development team. Her involvement spans from assisting new franchises with space planning to facilitating operational strategies, training programs, and successful openings.
With a commitment to efficiency and quality care, Laken's approach is grounded in practical experience and a dedication to fostering a positive and effective working environment within our organization.

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Mario Nelson

Chief Growth Officer

About

Mario is the Chief Growth Officer of ProMD Health and is primarily responsible for driving the growth of the ProMD Development Group by launching new franchise locations and identifying opportunities to strategically grow ProMD’s footprint nationwide. Mario graduated from Johns Hopkins receiving a master’s degree in Health Administration, a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Studies, and a minor in Entrepreneurship and Management. Mario has an extensive history in startups, business development and healthcare. Prior to joining ProMD, Nelson worked at several firms and most recently was a senior manager at New York-based Cold Start Ventures, where he helped build and launch early-stage healthcare companies. In 2020, Nelson was CEO and Co-Founder of New York-based Micro Audio, Inc. He built the company and grew its platform to 10,000 users in the first 90 days of operation. From 2014 to 2018 Nelson worked at global consultancy Deloitte as a senior consultant where he spearheaded a $1 billion financial turnaround of a leading healthcare system. He also developed a five-year strategic plan for military hospitals in the Washington, D.C. area, and he executed a complete digital overhaul of a hospital system in the Midwest, resulting in 20 percent cost reductions. In his spare time, Mario is an avid Basketball player and fan and is passionate about education and volunteers as a tutor in New York City after school programs.

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Safa Aljuboori

Chief of Staff

About

Safa Aljuboori is our Quality Assurance Manager. She joined the ProMD health team in 2018 after five years of business analytics and management experience. Safa holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics. As ProMD Quality Assurance Manager, Safa is responsible for developing and overseeing an effective quality management system to continuously identify opportunities for improving the patient’s quality of life.

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Abby Ramos

Chief Marketing Officer

About

Abby is our Marketing Director. She joined the team in 2017 after graduating from UMUC with a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and Marketing. She currently works remotely in Colorado Springs. Abby’s primary focus is to increase brand awareness and track and analyze marketing efforts to help drive business results. By managing and creating content for various marketing channels, she strives to use her skills and experience to keep ProMD Health’s patients well educated and informed about the latest and greatest ways to Look and Feel their best.

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Carla Cook

Vice President of Operations

About

Carla, the Vice President of Operations at ProMD Health, is a pivotal figure in ensuring the company's seamless functioning. With her extensive experience dating back to 2006 and a background as a Certified Patient Consultant, Carla brings a wealth of expertise to her role.
Her commitment to ProMD Health's core values, especially in delivering top-notch patient care, shines through in her daily endeavors. Carla's responsibilities span managing all of the corporate offices, overseeing staff, and optimizing operations to guarantee the highest standards of patient experience.
What sets Carla apart is her fusion of administrative prowess with clinical understanding. Her background equips her to not only manage operations efficiently but also to comprehend and cater to patients' clinical needs. This unique blend enables Carla to recommend tailored treatments, procedures, and care plans, ensuring patients receive optimal care and support.
Carla's dedication to excellence makes her an indispensable asset to ProMD Health. Her role as Vice President of Operations ensures the organization's smooth functioning, benefiting both staff and patients alike. Through her leadership, ProMD Health continues to uphold its commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare services.

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Scott Melamed

President

About

Scott has led the ProMD team to win many awards including the Torch Award for Business Ethics from the Better Business Bureau. Scott brings a wealth of experience from scientific research and a management consulting background. Scott has worked in academia studying pancreatic and urologic cancers at Weill Cornell, Columbia NY Presbyterian Hospital, Sloan Kettering, and Johns Hopkins. Scott attended the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, where he earned his graduate degree and focused his coursework on Novel Drug Development and Large Firm Leadership. Scott is a published author in academic journals. In his free time, Scott sits on the Allergan Esthetics Advisory Board and the Baltimore Child Abuse Center Advisory Board. Scott is a consultant and Faculty for Galderma's GAIN Business Unit. Scott is also an active volunteer with Johns Hopkins Alumni recruiting, the Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter, The House of Ruth, VOLO City, Pi Kappa Alpha, the Better Business Bureau, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, & several other organizations including ProMD Helps, which is the philanthropic foundation inside of ProMD Health, of which he is the Executive Director.

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George Gavrila, M.D

Founder & Medical Director

Locations

About

Dr. George Gavrila is a native of the Greater Baltimore area and has spent time studying medicine, primary care, functional, esthetic, and integrative medicine. Dr. Gavrila completed his residency at the University of Maryland and served as a Fellow at the Center of Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He’s currently a member of several prestigious medical organizations such as AMMG (Age Management Medicine Group), A4M (American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine), and AAAM (American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine).

Dr. Gavrila has treated a wide range of patients, including celebrities, models, athletes, and international royalty, and is renowned throughout the country as a trainer of other physicians.