As I approach the milestone of six years in this writing practice, I reflect on its evolution from my beginnings in functional medicine to the exploration of aesthetics. Rooted in consistent research, this practice has become a valuable journey of processing and sharing my insights through this blog.

Botox injections can be used to treat excessively sweaty underarms. For those of us who experience this, it can be socially stressful. If you have tried to manage your underarm sweat unsuccessfully, Botox injections may help! Learn about Botox for hyperhidrosis in Portland from experienced injector Dr. Heather Friedman located in NE Portland.

Dr. Heather Friedman offers full facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers. Using a full facial approach, Dr. Heather treats the entirety of the face from the temples to the jawline to give an overall harmonious and balanced appearance.

Check out the injectable services offered at our Portland clinic. Whether you’re interested in filler, Sculptra, or Botox, it’s recommended to begin your Dr. Heather journey in Portland with a complimentary initial consultation to discuss your goals and come up with a plan.

Bone broth is a traditional kitchen remedy that has been used across the globe. In general, bone broth is made by boiling bones in water with a splash of acid (like vinegar) and time. Through this process, nutrients like minerals and collagen fibers are extracted from the bones and into the liquid.

When it comes to the skin, bone broth is medicine. Studies demonstrate the nutrients in bone broth help heal wounds, improve skin quality, and address brittle nails(1,2). Most of the evidence here uses collagen peptide supplementation, however it is ideal to get nutrients from a whole foods source.

Thanks for taking the time to click and read. Life gets hectic around this time of year. For me it’s the holidays, my kiddo’s birthday (she’s FIVE), my birthday (I’m 40), and other end-of-year business. I’ve been a little overwhelmed by it all which seems compounded by the stressors we all experience. I, like you, want my life to have meaning; I want my work to have a positive impact, my environmental footprint small, to have health, and for my friends and family to feel the enormity of love I have for them. 

This week’s topic is inspired by the recent daylight savings change and the seemingly ‘sudden’ shift into winter with shorter and darker days. It’s almost reflexive to reject the change however through observation and a bit of adaptation, I believe we set ourselves up for better health. This week I point out three observations from nature and how we can live in accordance during this season. The week’s topic is inspired by my formal Chinese medicine training where it is believed that by harmonizing oneself with the seasons, you can stay healthier and prevent disease. 

New service alert!  I am proud to introduce the Mini Lip Fill treatment, the perfect service for first-timers, or someone who just wants a little.  The Mini Lip Fill is customized to each client’s goals and we can upgrade to the full syringe if you decide you want more within one month of your original treatment.  While the lips are sensitive, worry not, because I make sure you are comfortably numb before injections begin.  

Over the past three years, I have performed hundreds of dermal filling services and as of this writing, I average about 10 fill treatments a week.  The most popular areas to treat with filler include: lips, cheeks, chin, nasolabial folds, jawline, and under eye area. 

On average, I perform about 20 neuromodulator treatments per week, with three years of injecting experience and I use Botox Cosmetic 99% of the time (Dysport 1%).

Our lifestyle choices impact the quality of our skin. Past writings have taught us that inflammation, microbiome imbalance,  and oxidative damage can set the stage for unwanted outcomes like acne, dermatitis, skin cancers, and accelerated aging. This week we learn how blood sugar issues also impact the health of our skin. The information is inspired by Dr. Trevor Cates, author of Clean Skin From Within: The Spa Doctor’s 2-Week Program to Glowing, Naturally Youthful Skin. 

The lower third of the face is very important for facial aesthetics.  A well contoured jawline is desirable for both men and women and it is a key element when masculinizing or feminizing a face.  Injectable fillers like Juvederm Voluma are gaining popularity with the recent FDA approval for use in the chin (1). Hyaluronic acid fillers in the lower face can: reshape the jawline, lift sagging tissue, and improve facial proportions. When used to rejuvenate the aging face, we aim to redefine the jawline line and angle of the jaw. In younger faces, filler can be used to correct an inherited deficit or enhance facial contour; all aimed to enhance one’s self perception.  

With aging, we start getting lines between the eyes and forehead, mouth lines become more pronounced, under eye area sinks and darkens,, etc. These changes occur because of seismic moves of the bone, muscle, and fat beneath the skin (2). While some changes can be modulated with lifestyle choices like regular sunscreen use and non smoking status (3), others cannot. This week we learn about the changes that happen under our skin as we age. 

Sweating is a very normal human response and it happens as our body works to keep us from overheating, particularly in the heat and during exercise. Some of us sweat more than others, and when the sweat response is excessive and uncontrollable, it’s referred to as primary hyperhidrosis. It commonly involves the underarms, palms, and soles and can cause stress for the individual due to social stigmatization (1). Successful and long term treatments are lacking when it comes to excessive sweating. This week I explain how Botox can be used to manage excessive underarm sweating.