FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions.

Why choose Melamed Weight & Wellness?

We pride ourselves on the custom treatment plans we develop for our patients’ and their unique cosmetic goals. We always review previous and current medical needs, and we’re careful to accommodate budgets and schedule requirements. The combination of our cutting-edge tools and expert staff members yields truly stunning results.

Our experienced staff will walk you through your treatment options—including the capabilities and limitations of each—so together we can achieve your desired outcome. It’s our goal to ensure that you actively participate in your treatment plan, so you feel confident, at ease, and understand what to expect. Whether it’s your first cosmetic treatment or you’ve done it before, it’s important to us that you walk away feeling satisfied and safe.

Below, we answer your questions about Botox, weight loss, vitamins & supplements, medications and diets.

Medical Spa

When should I start getting Botox treatments?

Some patients start Botox treatments around 30 years old, while others begin treatments in their 20s. Benefits from preventative Botox can be seen as early as 25 years old.

If you want to prevent lines from becoming deeper and more visible, we recommend starting Botox treatments when you first notice them. If deep or persistent lines have already formed, we recommend Botox treatments in order to diminish their appearance and halt their progression.

If I get a Botox treatment, do I have to keep getting them or can I stop after one treatment?

No, you don’t have to keep getting Botox treatments. However we do recommend considering your long-term aesthetic goals when making this decision. The effects of each treatment last approximately 3 months and slowly fade over time. In our experience, people tend to continue them on a regular basis once they see the positive results.

Do Botox treatments hurt?

Botox treatments typically yield a small level of discomfort. We encourage you to choose a provider who not only has many years of experience, but who also has a delicate and precise technique that will minimize or eliminate your discomfort entirely.

I’ve been wanting to enhance my lips, but I’m afraid it’ll look overdone or distorted. How do I know if lip enhancements are right for me?

It’s critical to have a highly trained and experienced injector. With experienced staff on your cosmetic team, your results will be natural and unsuspecting. Keep in mind there can be swelling and/or slight bruising, so we always suggest scheduling the treatment when your calendar is less busy.

I’m beginning to notice signs of aging on my face. What are my options and how much do they cost?

At around 30 years old, we begin to experience changes to our facial structure. We lose fullness, our skin’s color and texture quality decrease, and our bones begin to thin. However everyone ages differently and will experience these changes in different ways. Our treatments can help slow down the aging process and restore or maintain a more youthful, vibrant appearance.

Since each person’s treatment plan varies, the only way to receive a treatment plan and price breakdown is by booking a free consultation visit with us. During this visit we’ll discuss all of your treatment options, answer all of your questions, and provide an exact price for the services we recommend. It’s our goal to develop a treatment plan that will fit your aesthetic goals as well as your budget.

I’m seeing brown spots on my face, neck, and chest, and they seem to be getting darker. Can you remove these?

Yes! We treat what are known as sunspots with state-of-the-art lights and lasers every day. We see significant improvement in as little as 1 treatment, but they often require periodic treatments to maintain results.

I feel like I look a lot older than my friends. Why is that and what can I do to look as good as I feel?

Everyone ages differently, and there are a lot of factors to consider. One of the most significant factors is the amount of time spent in the sun. Other things, such as smoking, stress, heredity, and lifestyle, also affect the aging process. We offer several treatment plans that will leave your skin looking and feeling healthy and youthful.

When starting the treatment process, we often address the color and texture of your skin first. After that we look at volume loss in the face, as well as lines and wrinkles. These can be softened with a careful selection of what are known as fillers and Botox. We are happy to recommend the best treatment plan for you, just give us a call and book your free consultation.

My workplace has become very competitive, and I need to look younger. The thing is I have to go to work every day and can’t afford to take time off. What can I do?

We have treatment plans that let you return to work quickly, and in some cases the very same day. We’ll work with your schedule so you can maintain your competitive edge.

When should I start getting chemical peels, and can I go to work the next day?

Many people start receiving chemical peel treatments when they’re teenagers to help with acne. For others, you can benefit from chemical peels as early as 18 years old.

By choosing the right chemical with the right strength and applying it over an optimal number of treatments, we can help you achieve the aesthetic results you desire without interfering with your schedule. And yes, we also have chemical peels available should you need to look your best the very next day.

I’m looking for a facial treatment plan that addresses the aging process slowly and more naturally. Can you help?

Definitely. One of the most amazing products currently available is Sculptra Aesthetic. Treatments with this product differ from other dermal fillers because it restores your facial volume and improves your skin structure by slowly stimulating production of your existing collagen over several months.

Results from this product last longer than other hyaluronic fillers by up to 2 years! It’s known as “the secret”—the perfect treatment for someone who wants a younger appearance without others knowing.

Weight Loss

Why am I always hungry?

There are a couple possible reasons. Your diet may lack protein, fiber, and/or fat, all of which promote fullness and appetite reduction. Hunger can also be a sign of poor or inadequate sleep. There are also medications known to cause frequent hunger.

What causes hunger?

Hunger is caused by many things. Lack of restorative sleep, not drinking enough water, a diet low in protein, fat, or fiber, eating too many carbohydrates, too much exercise, and/or drinking too much alcohol. Certain medical conditions can also cause an increase in hunger.

I only need to lose a few pounds. Do I really need to get testing and be on a weight loss medication?

Probably not, or at least not right away. It’s natural for your weight to fluctuate, and it’s normal to feel frustrated when that happens. Sometimes implementing simple changes like excluding certain foods and increasing your daily physical activity can take care of it. However, if the same few pounds tend to stick around no matter what, something may be wrong with your metabolism, way of eating, or both. In that case, medical weight loss may be an appropriate option.

When is medical weight loss needed?

If basic lifestyle measures can’t be implemented (e.g., “I know I should eat less, but I’m so hungry I can’t stop!” Or “I know exercising would help, but I injured my knee and can’t do much for the next few weeks, or even months!”), medical weight loss is often the right solution.

I’m obese, and I feel like it’s my fault. Is that true?

No, it’s not your fault. Obesity is a disease, much like high blood pressure and diabetes, and it can and should be treated. On top of that, it’s a multifactorial disease, where genetic and environmental factors all play a role. So don’t get angry with yourself. Your brain is a complex chemical structure and you just have to deal with increased hunger while your peers do not. The good thing is it’s treatable. So stop the blame game and come see us.

Why bother with diets, medications, and other things that take so long to work? Why shouldn’t I just try bariatric surgery and be done?

While bariatric surgical procedures are effective in treating obesity, they don’t cure it. Remember, you’ll have to be on a diet and think about weight loss for the rest of your life. Bariatric surgical procedures aren’t a one-and-done solution, and those procedures require continuous weight loss efforts. We recommend trying medical weight loss first.

I eat right, but I don’t feel “fit.” It must be my metabolism. Can you check for that?

You might be right, and there are many ways to check your metabolism and/or your body’s handling of ingested calories. We typically start with metabolic blood tests, and we also offer in-depth RMR (resting metabolic rate) and InBody metabolic tests.

Can hormone imbalances cause weight gain?

Yes. Imbalances of the thyroid, leptin, estrogen, cortisol, insulin, testosterone, progesterone, and ghrelin can all cause weight issues.

What’s the best exercise for losing weight?

Walking has been shown to be one of the best exercises for weight loss. Followed by jogging, cycling, swimming, yoga, pilates, weight training, and interval training. It’s best to work with a professional to ensure you’re exercising correctly, safely, and according to your body type. It’s also important to make sure your exercise is tailored for weight loss and doesn’t induce oxidative stress through improper exercising or over-exercising.

Can poor sleep cause weight gain?

Yes. Sleep deprivation or poor sleep can cause changes to the hormones that regulate hunger and appetite. If this regulatory system isn’t functioning correctly, it can lead to weight gain.

Can stress make me gain weight?

Yes. Chronic stress—or not adapting to stress—can cause weight gain. Stress often leads to poor sleep, which can create elevated cortisol levels as well as influence other hormones that regulate appetite. These disruptions often result in increased appetite, eating more calories, and eventual weight gain.

How do I know if the number on my scale reflects fat loss or water loss?

Changes in weight can be from loss of water, fat, muscle, or other components. The best way to find out the nature of your weight loss or gain is to do a body composition analysis. We offer several methods and devices that can analyze this information for you.

What causes belly fat in women?

Belly fat in women can be caused by a variety of things, such as poor diet, sugary foods like soft drinks and fruit juice, alcohol, smoking, lack of exercise, poor sleep, poor gut health, stress, hormone imbalances, genetics, or aging.

What is the difference between BMI (body mass index) and body composition?

BMI is a calculation based on your height, weight, age, and gender. Body composition incorporates your muscle mass, fat mass, water (extracellular and intracellular), as well as mineral content. Body composition also evaluates the breakdown of fat and fat-free mass and is a better estimate of both fitness level and health risk.

Is inflammation bad?

It depends. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to fighting off foreign invaders. It’s also the body’s way of helping things heal. But when it goes on too for long it can lead to a long list of disorders, including arthritis, asthma, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, and other serious diseases.

Vitamins & Supplements

What are the best supplements for inflammation?

Every patient is different. But we typically recommend alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), fish oil, ginger, turmeric, zinc, vitamin C, quercetin, and spirulina.

What are the best supplements for muscle cramps?

Every patient is different. But we typically recommend magnesium, zinc, and a B-complex.

What are the best supplements for sleep?

Every patient is different. But we typically recommend magnesium, passionflower, valerian root, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), L-theanine, and vitamin B-6.

What are the best supplements for joint health?

Every patient is different. But we typically recommend chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, calcium, vitamin D-3, ginger, turmeric, fish oil, omega 3, and green tea.

Do joint supplements really work?

Studies show glucosamine supplements can reduce collagen breakdown, which ensures joint strength and structural integrity. Certain joint supplements can also help reduce inflammation, a leading cause of joint cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis patients.

What are the benefits of vitamin D?

Vitamin D is an essential prohormone for healthy bones and teeth. It can also protect against a range of diseases and conditions, such as depression, fatigue, type 1 diabetes, and cancer.

What are the symptoms of low vitamin D?

Some symptoms of low vitamin D include tiredness and fatigue, repeatedly getting sick, slow wound healing, depression, bone loss, muscle pain, and hair loss.

Do probiotics do more than promote a healthy gut?

Although probiotics are most commonly used to support the gut and alleviate digestive disorders, research shows we’re just starting to see the widespread benefits of probiotics. Healthy bacteria are now being positively linked to our immune system, preventing allergies, lowering cholesterol, treating liver disease, treating yeast infections, reducing inflammation, and much more.

They’ve even been shown to help reduce upper respiratory infections and protect against oxidative stress caused by over-exercise. Studies also show certain healthy bacteria found in the stomach and intestines are directly related to neural function, mood, and behavior, alleviating anxiety, stress, and depression.

It’s important to understand what probiotics are best before you start any particular type of product. Different types of probiotics are used for different health issues. See our nutritionist to learn more about how the use of probiotics can benefit your health.

How do I choose the best supplements?

Verify the product claims by looking at citations and cited studies. Look for independent organizations that review products. Discuss with your doctor, nutritionist and/or registered dietician (RD). Note: If the product/supplement states it’s listed with the FDA, this does not mean it’s approved by the FDA.

Is it okay to take a multivitamin everyday?

It’s best to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs by eating healthy foods, but when that’s not possible—due to certain situations or conditions, such as poor diet or malabsorption— supplementing with a multivitamin can be a good idea. It’s recommended to have your vitamin and nutrient levels tested before taking any vitamin or supplement.

What are the best vitamins to boost metabolism?

Research shows B vitamins play an essential role in boosting energy metabolism. The B vitamins include: B-1 (thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (niacin), B-5 (pantothenic acid), B-6, B-7 (biotin), folic acid (folate), and B-12. Magnesium also plays an important role in chemical reactions that produce energy. Calcium is important for bones, metabolism, and blood sugars. Iron plays a role in cell function. And vitamin D a vital prohormone.

What supplements have been recommended for hair loss?

Vitamin A, vitamin C, biotin, niacin (vitamin B-3), and minerals such as zinc and iron. There’s also emerging evidence in support of vitamin E. Note it’s also important to consume the recommended daily amount of protein. We advise you to discuss your issues with your doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions.

Why am I getting muscle cramps?

Muscle cramps are often caused by low sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, or dehydration.

What is a nutraceutical?

The dictionary defines nutraceuticals as foods that have medicinal benefits and/or health-giving additives. Examples include natural foods, fortified dairy products, citrus fruits, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, herbals, and dietary supplements.

Medications

Will weight loss medications affect my heart?

No, not if your heart is healthy. Before certain stimulatory medications are used, we run thorough testing to make sure the medication in question is safe for you to take. You should also be monitored by your doctor while taking these medications.

What if I already take medications for high blood pressure or depression?

Don’t worry. You can still be prescribed weight loss medications. Some of them can be safely combined with these and other medications.

Do I have to be on weight loss pills if I see a weight loss doctor?

No. We strongly believe in our doctor-patient partnerships. Any decision about what to do will be made with you fully on board.

How do I maintain my weight if I stop using the medications?

Weight maintenance is a critical part of weight loss. We help you maintain your weight with a combination of dietary changes and medications, either in a continuous or “touch-up” scenario. We realize weight gain is a lifelong battle, and we have programs to keep you healthy and happy. Unlike most commercial programs that just tell you to exercise and not overeat, we actively manage you during the maintenance phase to ensure sustained weight loss results.

Diets

What is the Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

The Mediterranean Diet is often referred to as the Anti-Inflammatory Diet. It includes consuming high levels of fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of nuts. It also recommends a limited intake of red meat and alcohol, drinking red wine in moderation.

What are the healthiest nuts for weight loss?

The healthiest nuts are pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, macadamias, Brazil nuts, and walnuts. Although consuming nuts can be a healthy part of a healthy diet, remember to keep calories in mind.

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. Intermittent fasting plans can differ, though, and it’s recommended to work with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to achieve effective, safe results.

Can dieting cause hair loss?

Yes, some people can experience hair loss when dieting. That said, hair loss seems to be more common with stricter diet plans. This can be due to the diet lacking certain vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Diet-related hair loss is typically temporary and often regrows.

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