Weight loss:

Are the labs necessary to start the weight loss programs?

The blood tests are not mandatory but an optional part of the comprehensive exam. A blood test can offer insight into biological processes and body functioning that contribute to difficulty with weight management. If you are anemic, have hormonal problems causing issues with weight loss, or have nutrient deficiencies, this can be picked up with blood tests.

What labs would be drawn?

Kidney function test (Cr/GFR), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test Optional, but recommended:

  • Lipid panel (to check cholesterol levels)
  • Comprehensive metabolic panel (to assess your baseline kidney and liver function)
  • Fasting insulin test (to check for insulin resistance) (if fasting)
  • High sensitivity C-reactive protein test (Hs-CRP, to evaluate inflammation)

Where do I get my labs drawn?

Mira Me Health can draw your labs in the office or electronically submit lab requests to several contracted lab providers such as Quest and LabCorp.

Do I have to fast for my labs?

It’s preferable, but not necessary. We just ask that you don’t eat a high-fat meal before the lab draws.

What are Glutathione injections?

Antioxidants. Glutathione is so important for optimum health is that it’s present in every cell in the body. One way antioxidants like glutathione help maintain good physical health is by neutralizing free radicals, which can cause cellular damage through oxidation. Since glutathione is naturally present within all types of cells, it is in a prime position to do this. It’s considered one of the most important antioxidants in the human body.

What are Lipo-amino injections?

(Lipotropic) injections affect your metabolism. An infusion of can help breaks down fat in your liver. Customized lipo-amino injections can help you reach your weight-loss goals by speeding up your metabolism and eliminating fat.

What are Branched-chain amino acid injections (BCAA)?

Nine essential amino acids are not made by the body and therefore must be obtained via the diet. 3 of the 9 essential amino acids are Isoleucine, Leucine, Valine. These are called branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) because their molecular structure is branched. BCAA supplementation may promote lean body mass protein synthesis and increase lean body mass in individuals who consume a low protein diet. This is because BCAA is metabolized primarily in lean body mass tissue. Because of this, they could help improve exercise performance and reduce the rate of slight body mass breakdown.

What are Methylcobalamin B-12 injections?

They are water-soluble B complex injections to treat vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia. In addition, it is often used as an aid for weight loss due to its energy and metabolism-boosting effects.

Can you tell me which weight loss prescription is best for me?

All medications will be discussed during your consultation, along with their expected actions, appropriate dosing, and potential side effects.

Plant-based Coaching:

Does a plant-based lifestyle have all of those benefits?

Yes, the literature is easily accessible online regarding the help of a plant-based lifestyle.

I want to go plant-based but am scared. Can you help?

Of course, we can. Give us a call.

I thought you had to eat a certain amount of protein to stay healthy?

We are not protein deficient at all in the U.S. The dietary reference intake recommends 0.8gms of protein per kilogram or 0.36 grams per pound. So an average 150-pound man only needs 54 grams of protein a day.

Where does one get their protein from if following a plant-based lifestyle?

Oh, you’d be surprised how much protein plants and non-animal products have. For example, Seitan has 25gms protein for 3.5ounces. Tofu has 10-19gms of protein for 3.5 ounces. Other protein sources include beans, lentils, nutritional yeast, hempseed, Amaranth, quinoa, sprouted grains, soy milk, oats, wild rice, chia seeds, nuts, and nut butter. Even fruits and vegetables have protein.

IV Therapy and Nutritional Injections:

Are the injections and IV therapies safe?

Yes. Our vendor is Empower Pharmacy, which only sells FDA approved quality injectables, based in Houston, TX. After an exam with the practitioner, you will be watched during the duration of your IV infusion or injection to make sure you do not have any reactions. Should you have a reaction, the staff has the equipment and is trained to treat you.

What are reasons to seek IV therapies?

Common reasons patients seek IV therapies include having complaints of mood, fatigue, athletic performance, hangover symptoms, fatigue, muscular endurance, general hydration, and nutritional supplementation.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, or BHRT, is a form of hormone therapy that has existed in the U.S. for many decades and uses hormones structurally similar to those found within the human body.

What happens with the first BHRT consultation?

First, your NP will require extensive lab work while considering a patient’s candidacy for Biote BHRT using pellets or other BHRT treatment. Then, NP will discuss the results with a patient before moving forward with pellet therapy or other options.

How is the Biote pellet inserted?

During the in-office visit, which only takes a few minutes, patients are brought into the exam room, and the insertion site is numbed. The most common site of insertion is the upper buttocks. A small incision is then made for pellet insertion. Once the pellet is inserted, the insertion site is covered with a small bandage.

What should I expect the week after pellet insertion?

After pellet insertion, it’s best to eliminate lower body exercise. Walking should be fine, but extraneous activity is not recommended. Swimming, hot tubs, and bathtubs are to be avoided; however, showers are permitted. After the removal of the bandage, regular activity may resume.

How often are pellets necessary?

As each patient’s symptoms are unique, so is each patient’s path to hormone optimization. Therefore, the Bite Method is customized to fit a patient’s specific needs.

What happens to BHRT pellets after insertion?

Since shots are bioidentical and contain hormones like those our body produces, pellets are completely dissolved and absorbed, leaving nothing behind.

How many types of Biote BHRT pellets are there?

Estrogen and testosterone

What health concerns do Estrogen pellets address?

Estrogen pellets are primarily used to combat the effects of menopause. However, studies have shown that estrogen may also help relieve some symptoms associated with mood, poor bone density, and poor heart health.

What health concerns do testosterone pellets address?

Testosterone has been shown to relieve a wide range of reproductive, emotional, and non-reproductive conditions. Some of these include low energy, sexual dysfunction, mood swings, irritability, and many others.

What about “road rage” with testosterone pellets?

With 24/7 hr continuous release of the BHRT hormones, there is no spike in testosterone levels with injections. Instead, testosterone is released steadily, giving the patient the relief they need.

BOTOX® and Fillers:

How do BOTOX® injectables work?

BOTOX® injections relax the muscles around your lines. Since these muscles cannot move, the dynamic wrinkles become less visible.

How long does the procedure take?

About 30 minutes

How long before I see effects?

Literature shows results can be seen less than a week up to 17 days after injections.

How long will its effects last?

The impact of injectables and fillers can last 3-5 months, depending on the site injected.

What are the common side effects of BOTOX®?

Bruising at the injection site, drooping eyelids can take several weeks to resolve, dry mouth and headaches.

What are the common side effects of fillers?

Bruising, itching, numbness, redness, soreness

Which is better, the BOTOX® injections or fillers?

In choosing between BOTOX® and dermal fillers, you should first identify the skin problem you want to be fixed and which area of your face you want to be treated. It is also best to discuss this with your dermatologist.

Microneedling:

Is it painful to have microneedling done?

The skin and scalp are very vascular and sensitive.20-30 minutes before the procedure, your practitioner will numb you up with strong topical anesthetics.

Why should I get microneedling done at your office instead of buying a machine online?

Skin Pen is the only FDA approved microneedling device on the market. With each treatment, new sharp microneedles that can go to a depth of 2.0mm. Most cosmetically purchased microneedling devices sold on the market go only to a depth of 0.5mm and are not able to be thoroughly cleaned after use putting you at high risk for skin infections.

PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) for Hair and Skin:

How is the PRP obtained?

It involves a blood draw that will be done in the office from your arm, then spun down in a centrifuge (a machine that spins at high speed that will separate the blood components). After the centrifuge, the plasma rises to the top, and the lower part of the plasma is the PRP.

How does PRP work for hair loss treatment?

Platelets are one of four primary components of blood (the other three are red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma). Platelets promote cell growth and regeneration. Platelets are generally five times concentrated in PRP than in regular blood. The concentrated platelets secrete growth factors that assist in wound healing and tissue regrowth. The platelets are injected into the scalp to reach the bottom of the hair follicle and stimulate a specialized portion of cells named dermal papilla cells, which play a critical role in hair growth.

How does PRP work for skin rejuvenation?

PRP growth factors activate cells in the body to prepare for healing and generate new capillaries and collagen in the skin. By increasing one’s collagen production, the improvements continue over time as the body rebuilds its collagen supply.

Is PRP (platelet-rich plasma) safe?

Yes, they are safe when done by a trained medical provider. Your blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge, and the platelet-rich plasma is inserted via small syringes under the aseptic technique into the top portion of your scalp or face.

How many treatments are usually needed for PRP hair loss therapy?

A series of three treatments are needed before improvement may be seen. Usually one month apart.

Is PRP a one-time treatment for hair loss?

No, treatment usually involves three months apart, followed by maintenance sessions every three to six months to keep up the results.

How many treatments are needed for PRP skin treatments?

Initial results are seen as little as one treatment. But for optimal results, it is recommended to have 2-3 treatments done 6-8 weeks apart.

What are the risks of PRP?

Mild hazards include pain, redness, headaches, and temporary hair shedding. PRP is not appropriate for patients with a history of bleeding disorders or autoimmune diseases.

What kind of hair loss with PRP work on?

Most research on PRP for hair loss has been focused on treating androgenetic alopecia, also known as hormone-related baldness, which affects both men and women. Women will see thinning on the top and crown of the head and often is seen at the center hair part as it grows wider. Men have to thin the hair on the top and front of the head.

What will make PRP hair treatments most effective?

Evidence shows that patients have optimal results when used with hormone correction and or topical (minoxidil) such as Rogaine or oral (Finasteride) Propecia, an anti-androgenic drug.

Will PRP work for hair loss related to stress (telogen effluvium), autoimmune-related non-scarring hair loss (alopecia areata), or forms of scarring hair loss?

Unfortunately, there is not enough evidence about the effectiveness of PRP for these types of hair loss.

How do I prepare for PRP?

First, drink plenty of fluids as we will be doing the blood draw.

Who should not get PRP skin treatments?

Any medical contraindications such as skin diseases, cancers, receiving chemotherapy treatments, severe metabolic disorders, chronic liver disease, receiving anticoagulation therapy, and steroid use within the last two weeks before treatment. Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, and oil supplements should not be used for 3-7 days before treatment.

What happens during the treatment?

It is a minimally invasive treatment that can be completed in 1-1.5 hours. A minimal amount of blood is drawn from a vein and placed in an FDA-approved centrifuge for separation. I will add an activation agent that stimulates the platelets. The PRP stays and allows for healing to be focused in a specific area. The PRP is then separated and transferred to syringes. I will then inject the PRP into the areas of concern to begin regenerating the skin and hair and smooth out wrinkles. It can be injected into as many areas as the patient wishes. There is minimal pain and no downtime.

What do I do after PRP treatment?

Some swelling is expected. Massaging of the area treated is discouraged. Smoking and exercise are not recommended for at least three days. Bruising and some soreness is normal.

What is the difference between PRP and PRF?

Turn back the clock with your own healing serum.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) are both autologous platelet concentrates prepared from the patient’s own blood which becomes the body’s own healing serum.

The properties found in PRP and PRF make them superior products compared to man-made products for uses in skin care procedures such as microneedling and injections. By drawing a patient’s blood and using their own plasma for these treatments, we are utilizing the purest and most natural form of growth factors possible, giving exceptional results treating anti-aging, acne scarring, skin tone, and texture.

What is PRF?

Platelet Rich Fibrin is the next-generation PRP. It is the derivative of blood centrifuged at a low speed separating the blood into layers that are not as distinct as with PRP. This allows some of the white cells, growth factors, and stem cells, along with the platelets, to be collected from a tube that has no anticoagulant additive. It is these additional elements that make PRF a much more desired product when used in skin care treatments.

PRP is still a very powerful product, and will definitely help with reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring, but it may take more treatments to achieve the desired results. However, since the PRP is collected in a tube containing an anticoagulant it does allow for a lot more leeway in the time we have to inject or microneedle it into the skin.

PRF on the other hand, has only 15 minutes from the time of draw to use because it is collected in a tube without anticoagulant.

How do we use PRP and PRF?

As mentioned earlier, in the office setting, PRP and PRF can be done alone or with microneedling. PRP and PRF are done to treat anti-aging, acne scarring, skin tone, and texture. The exact procedure depends on the individual’s indications, and sometimes that could be more than one procedure. For instance, if a patient is concerned with fine lines and skin texture, they might just need to have micro needling. For deep wrinkles, under-eye discoloration and puffiness, injections will most likely be needed. In this case, the PRP or PRF is used much the same way as we use regular fillers and botox injections. The number of treatments will depend on the client’s desired outcome, skin condition, and will be discussed in the initial consultation.

What is the process?

Blood is drawn from the patient and collected in either a tube with the anticoagulant for PRP or without anticoagulant for PRF. It is then centrifuged accordingly and just the very concentrated portion of the product is drawn into a syringe for use. As mentioned before, these by-products of the blood are the most natural, pure, and potent form of material which can be administered into the skin to obtain the most natural-looking results for anti-aging, acne scarring, and healing.

What can I expect?

The PRF treatments provide even longer-lasting results as they continue to release growth factors over time. A series of 3 treatments, 3-6 weeks apart provides the most corrective and rejuvenating results. The treatment results may vary for each patient due to several factors like age, skin issues, and at-home routine.

Are there any questions we didn’t answer? Please feel free to email, text, or call us for further questions. We look forward to hearing from you.