FAQ's

Many med spas have a medical director who is often not present and located at a distance away. At Habits BioMed our medical director, Dr Vikram Zadoo MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and is personally involved in both the cosmetic procedures and functional medicine practices. In addition Habits BioMed is staffed with nurse injectors and nurse managers who bring to the table caring and compassion and an emphasis on a personalized quality experience.

The term Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) refers to prescribing hormones like testosterone and estrogen which are chemically and molecularly identical to the same hormones that our bodies produce.This is in contrast to the hormones Premarin (Estrogen) and PremPro (Estrogen and Progesterone) which were originally produced by pharmaceutical companies from a horse based source. This is an important distinction since these horse based hormones were the ones used in the original and controversial WHI study which has been discredited and revised to reflect beneficial effects of HRT. 

Testosterone and estrogen are important hormones for both sexes and not just for sexual function for example estrogen influences: bone strength and calcium absorption, cognition and memory, skin elasticity and collagen content. Testosterone influences libido, lean muscle mass, cognition, mood stabilization, and cardiac function.

These hormones are important for both sexes and in fact for females throughout their life span testosterone is more prevalent than estrogen. As we age these hormones start to decline. This decline is known as menopause for females and less well known as andropause for males. For females symptoms of estrogen deficiency include hot flashes, night sweats, dry skin, heart palpitations, mood swings, forgetfullness, vaginal dryness. For both sexes symptoms of testosterone deficiency include low libido, anxiety, belly fat, memory loss, weight gain, increased blood sugar and lipids.

HRT is very important not only to minimize the sometimes debilitating symptoms of menopause and andropause but to provide life sustaining support to the bodies many physiologic systems. In turn quality of life and longevity are markedly improved.

Botox and Dysport are known as neuromodulators and they specifically relax muscles and reduce or smooth out wrinkles. Dermal fillers, like Restylane or Juvederm, contain hyaluronic acid a substance found in collagen that helps hydrate and "plump up" tissues. Duration of these will vary depending on the individual, location of injection and activity levels. Typically the neuromodulators will last 3-6 months and on average about 4 months. Dermal fillers can be permanent but often require several treatments to achieve lasting results.

There can some bruising and swelling associated with any injection however it is usually minor and usually limited to 2-3 days.

NAD+ or (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a form of Vitamin B3 (Niacin). Importantly it is a co-factor used by mitochondria, "the bodies batteries", to generate energy for almost all of the bodies cellular functions. It is also involved in DNA repair, cell apoptosis, and lipid and glucose metabolism. It is known to turn off genes that accelerate aging and maintains neurotransmitter levels for proper brain function. Over time as we age NAD+ levels decline and result in declining energy levels, less DNA repair, metabolic dysfunction, and increased inflammation in the body.

NAD+ replacement can help increase energy levels, enhance mood and mental clarity, improve muscle function, support brain function, correct DNA damage, improve physical appearance and youthfullness.

Overall NAD+ supplementation is safe with some contraindications: allergy to Vitamin B3 or Niacin, history of or active cancer, individuals on dopamine agonists (Parkinsons disease, depression, fibromyalgia).

NAD+ can be administered by IV Infusion or most conveniently by a nasal spray (NS) that we at Habits BioMed prescribe through a 503B compound pharmacy. Most side effects like chest tightness or nausea happen mostly during IV Infusion but rarely with the nasal spray form. The nasal form is known to provide very competitive efficacy as compared to IV Infusion with the convenience of at home delivery and usage. Both forms complement each other as IV infusion can raise levels quickly and NS is a great long term use form.

Chemical peels are a form of exfoliation with varying degrees of skin depth penetration and subsequent changes to the quality and appearance of the skin. They work by removing different layers of our skin with new, healthier layers replacing the old. These improvements happen by stimulating the epidermal basal layer to increase turnover with new cells rising to the surface. In addition fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) are stimulated to create collagen, elastin and glycosoaminoglycans which translates into healthier, more youthful skin.

Benefits of a peel include: reversing sun damage, smoothing of fine and coarse wrinkles, spotty pigmentation and increased collagen content all of which give a more youthful, attractive look. Besides the face, chemical peels can also be done for sun damage and aging changes to the decolletage and hands. Care must be taken, however, for these areas as they are a little more sensitive in terms of healing and adverse side effects. 

Peels are classified according their depth and "intensity": superficial peels affect the very top layer of skin (epidermis), medium peels enter into the dermis or collagen top layer (papillary dermis) and deep peels enter into the deep dermis (reticular dermis).

Examples of superficial peeling agents are: 10% TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid), 30% Glycolic Acid, Jessners Solution, Salicylic Acid and Pyruvic Acid.

Examples of medium peeling agents are: 35% TCA, 70% Glycolic Acid, TCA-Glycolic Acid and TCA-Jessners Solutions combinations.

Examples of deep peeling agents include 50% TCA and Phenol based agents. Practically speaking deep peels are not done as much these days since they require significant down time, healing and intense skin care. In response most peels are of the superficial or medium type and done sequentially typically 1-2 per month for superficial and 1-2 per year for medium depth.

Of critical importance to the success of all peels is adherence and compliance with skin preparation protocols both before and after the peel. 

DEXA scan stands for Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. This involves minimal, very low radiation dosing (similar to flying from LA to NY) to determine with great accuracy  a persons bone density, muscle content, fat amount, body fat percent, fat distribution: visceral vs subcutaneous. Diagnoses such as osteoporosis for low bone density, high visceral fat content with its poor health implications and sarcopenia (age related loss of muscle mass) can be determined. DEXA scans are convenient taking aprox. 10 minutes to complete, non-invasive, and nearly as accurate as an MRI with minimal cost compared to most MRI's. These scans are a great way to obtain a baseline study of an individuals health status and then track over time with comparison scans how well diet, exercise and health interventions are working for that individual.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids which are the building blocks for larger proteins. In a sense peptides are mini-proteins. In the body they function as biological messengers basically "telling" cells to perform certain functions. They do so by binding to the cells outer membrane like a lock and key triggering activity. Some of these activities include blood sugar regulation, collagen production for firmer, smoother skin, muscle growth, appetite and metabolism.

Very common peptides prescribed and used include: GLP's, Semorelin, Ipamorelin, BCP-157 (Body Protection Compound), TB-500 (Thymosin Beta) and GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide).

They all have specific actions and effects on our bodies:

GLP's: blood sugar regulation and weight loss.

Semorelin / Ipamorelin: these stimulate the pituitary to release growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). This in turn helps in lean muscle mass growth, immune function, higher energy levels, sleep regulation, bone, skin and nail health. (These are contra-indicated with active tumor or cancer.)

BCP-157 and TB-500: tissue healing from injury specifically tendon, ligament , muscle. (These are contra-indicated with active tumor or cancer.)

GHK-Cu: skin rejuvenation, hair growth, wound healing.

At Habits BioMed we prescribe some of these peptides. In addition we utilize other important health interventions like Hormone Repacement Therapy, NAD/Glutathione, IV therapies, Low Dose Naltrexone for a healthier and improved quality of life.

Yes at Habits BioMed we offer a variety if IV therapies to include: NAD+, Glutathione, Meyers Cocktail, Multi-vitamin formulas, Amino Acid formulas, Immune boosters.

Nasal sprays offer convenient drug delivery with fixed dosing precision. Medications introduced nasally are designed to quickly absorb into the bloodstream since the nasal mucosa is highly vascularized and permeable. This form of drug delivery bypasses the liver and GI tract which means less drug dosing and lower side effects. This form complements IV infusion as it is more practical, less invasive, cheaper and very easy to administer. At Habits BioMed we prescribe NS forms of NAD+ and Glutathione through compound pharamacies with the convenience of home delivery and use.