Both Botox and Dysport are neuromodulators that temporarily relax targeted facial muscles to soften dynamic lines and wrinkles. Dysport tends to have a slightly faster onset and spreads a bit more from the injection site, which can be an advantage in broader areas like the forehead. Botox is more precise in its placement, which is useful around the eyes and for targeted corrections. Our injectors will recommend which is more appropriate for your anatomy and goals at your consultation.

This is the most common concern we hear — and it’s the right question to ask. Looking overdone is almost always the result of too much volume placed in the wrong locations, or filler used to compensate for tissue laxity that a different treatment would address better. At medAge, our injectors — Grace and Madison — are trained specifically in facial anatomy and natural-result techniques. We start conservatively, understand your facial structure before treating, and never recommend volume that isn’t warranted by your anatomy. The goal is that your friends notice you look great without being able to explain why.

Traditional fillers add immediate volume by physically filling space under the skin. Biostimulators — including Sculptra and Radiesse — stimulate your own body to produce collagen over time, resulting in gradual, natural improvement that can last significantly longer than standard hyaluronic acid fillers. Results develop over weeks to months and tend to look exceptionally natural because they’re rebuilding your own tissue rather than adding foreign volume.

Neuromodulators typically last 3–4 months, though with consistent treatment many patients find results extend longer. Hyaluronic acid fillers vary by product and placement — lip filler tends to break down faster (6–9 months), while structural filler in the cheeks or jawline can last 12–18 months or longer. Biostimulators like Sculptra can last 2 years or more. Your provider will give you realistic timeline expectations specific to your treatments.

Neuromodulators have essentially no downtime — most patients return to normal activities immediately. Dermal fillers may cause some swelling and bruising at injection sites, typically resolving within a few days. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, certain supplements) for 24–48 hours before and after injectable appointments to reduce bruising risk.

Injectable treatments are performed by Grace Liedman, BSN, RN and Madison Brookshire, BSN, RN — both board-certified aesthetic nurses with advanced training in facial anatomy and injection techniques. All treatment plans are developed under physician oversight. Grace specializes in device-based treatments alongside injectables; Madison focuses particularly on first-time patients and patient education.

Morpheus8 is a fractional radiofrequency microneedling device that delivers RF energy at precise depths into the skin and subdermal tissue. It stimulates collagen remodeling, tightens skin, improves texture, and can reduce subdermal fat. It’s effective on the face, neck, and body. Most patients see meaningful improvement in skin laxity, pore size, acne scarring, and overall skin quality. Results continue to develop over 3–6 months as collagen rebuilds.

Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound energy to target the deep structural layers of the skin — FDA-cleared specifically for lifting the face, neck, and brow — without needles, incisions, or downtime. Morpheus8 uses radiofrequency via microneedles and works primarily on the dermis and subdermal fat for texture, tightening, and contouring. Ultherapy is the better choice when the primary goal is lifting with no tolerance for downtime. medAge is one of the few practices in Asheville that offers Ultherapy.

The MiXto SX fractional CO2 laser resurfaces the skin at a cellular level — one of the most effective treatments available for sun damage, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, fine lines, and overall skin texture. Downtime is real: most patients experience 5–10 days of redness, peeling, and sensitivity. For the right patient willing to go through the recovery, the results are among the best we produce at this practice.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses broad-spectrum light to target pigment and vascular irregularities — sun spots, age spots, redness, broken capillaries, and rosacea. It is not a laser; it uses multiple wavelengths to address surface-level concerns with minimal downtime. Most patients experience some temporary darkening of treated spots (which then flake off) and mild redness for 24–48 hours. A series of 3–5 treatments typically produces the best results.

It depends on your specific skin concerns, skin type, tolerance for downtime, and timeline for results. At your consultation, Grace — our device specialist — will evaluate your skin, understand your goals, and recommend a protocol that matches both. In some cases the best outcome comes from combining treatments. We do not recommend treatments you don’t need and explain the reasoning behind every recommendation.

FaceTite is a minimally invasive radiofrequency procedure that delivers energy both internally via a small cannula and externally to the skin, melting localized fat and causing significant skin contraction. It requires only local anesthesia, involves tiny incisions that heal without visible scarring, and has far less downtime than a traditional facelift — typically 5–10 days. Results can approach surgical-level tightening in certain patients. It is performed by Dr. Ellis at our Asheville location.

BodyTite uses the same radiofrequency-assisted technology as FaceTite applied to the body — arms, abdomen, thighs, flanks, and other areas. It melts fat and simultaneously tightens the overlying skin through a small cannula under local anesthesia. Traditional liposuction removes fat but does not address skin laxity. BodyTite addresses both simultaneously, making it particularly effective for patients with moderate fat deposits and skin laxity concerns.

EMSCULPT uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to induce supramaximal muscle contractions — contractions impossible to achieve through voluntary exercise. Clinical studies show an average 16% increase in muscle mass and 19% reduction in subcutaneous fat in treated areas. It is not a weight loss treatment — it is a body composition and muscle definition treatment that works best for patients who are already relatively lean and active.

InBody is a bioelectrical impedance analysis device that measures body composition — specifically fat mass, lean muscle mass, body water, and segmental muscle distribution — in a fast, non-invasive scan. We use it because scale weight is a poor measure of what’s actually changing. A patient losing fat and gaining muscle may see little scale change while their body composition improves dramatically. The InBody gives us objective data to track real changes for body contouring, medical weight loss, and Foundation wellness patients.

Body contouring treatments at medAge are designed for patients at or near their goal weight who want to address specific areas of stubborn fat, skin laxity, or muscle definition — not for significant weight loss. Ideal candidates are within approximately 20–30 pounds of their target weight and maintain a reasonably active lifestyle. If significant weight loss is your primary goal, our medical weight loss program through Foundation by Dr. Live Long is a better starting point.

It depends on the treatment and your goals. EMSCULPT typically requires 4 sessions scheduled 2–3 days apart for a base protocol. BodyTite is typically a single procedure with results that continue to develop over 3–6 months. Morpheus8 body is often done in a series of 2–3 sessions. At your consultation we build a specific protocol based on your anatomy, goals, and timeline — and will tell you honestly what is realistic before you commit.

Tirzepatide (brand names Zepbound for weight loss, Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes) is a once-weekly injectable medication that activates two separate hormone receptors: GLP-1 and GIP. This dual-action mechanism reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports fat metabolism. Clinical trials showed an average body weight reduction of approximately 22% at the highest dose over 72 weeks — among the most effective FDA-approved pharmaceutical interventions for weight loss currently available.

Telehealth services can legally prescribe the medication. What they typically don’t provide is the clinical infrastructure around it. Our program includes comprehensive lab work before you start, InBody body composition monitoring, monthly check-ins with Dr. Long, a muscle preservation protocol, and a tapering and maintenance plan built in from day one. The prescription is not the program.

Tirzepatide is FDA-approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. It is not appropriate for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, or for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Candidacy is determined at your consultation after lab work and medical history review.

GLP-1 medications can cause muscle loss alongside fat loss if the program doesn’t actively work to prevent it. Our program includes InBody body composition monitoring throughout treatment to track fat mass and lean mass separately. We provide specific nutritional guidance and movement recommendations designed to preserve muscle. If we see lean mass declining at a concerning rate, we adjust the protocol.

Coverage varies significantly by insurance plan. Some commercial plans cover Zepbound; many do not or require prior authorization. Mounjaro has broader coverage for patients with type 2 diabetes. Manufacturer savings programs are available and can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients. We discuss cost and coverage in detail at your consultation.

The program is led by Dr. Sarah Long, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC — a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with advanced training in functional and longevity medicine. Dr. Long takes a whole-body approach to metabolic health and builds a program around what will actually work for you, not just a prescription. The program is offered through Foundation by Dr. Live Long, co-located at medAge in Biltmore Park.

Yes. medAge was founded by Dr. Laura Ellis, MD — a board-certified surgeon, published medical researcher, and author. Dr. Ellis has over 20 years of experience in aesthetic and anti-aging medicine and designed every treatment protocol at this practice. Our Asheville location is also led by Dr. Sarah Long, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC. All treatment plans are physician-designed and physician-supervised. This is not a day spa or aesthetician-led practice.

Dr. Laura Ellis holds an MD from UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine and has published research in peer-reviewed journals including Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Aesthetic Surgery Quarterly. She is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Sarah Long holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and is board-certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC). Our aesthetic nurses — Grace Liedman and Madison Brookshire — are both BSN, RN with device-specific certifications from InMode, Merz, and other technology partners.

Three things distinguish us. First, physician founding and oversight — Dr. Ellis designed the clinical protocols and that standard is present in every appointment. Second, technology depth — we offer devices including Ultherapy, FaceTite, BodyTite, CO2 laser, and Morpheus8 that require specific training and clinical experience most local practices don’t have. Third, whole-body care — from injectables to body contouring to hormone optimization to medical weight loss, our approach is integrated under one clinical roof.

Every treatment at medAge begins with a thorough medical history review. We do not perform treatments on patients who are not appropriate candidates, regardless of what they’re requesting. Our device operators are trained and certified by the device manufacturers. We have physician oversight on all treatment plans. And we are transparent with patients about risks, realistic outcomes, and what not to expect — because a patient who understands their treatment has a better experience and better outcomes.

Yes. medAge sees patients from across the United States who travel to Asheville specifically for our treatments — particularly the medAge Lift, FaceTite, BodyTite, and CO2 laser, which are not widely available in many markets. We can help coordinate multi-treatment visits that maximize your time in Asheville and provide thorough aftercare instructions for recovery at home.

Foundation by Dr. Live Long is a physician-led membership program founded by Dr. Sarah Long, co-located at medAge in Biltmore Park. It combines medical optimization, strength performance, longevity medicine, and metabolic health into a tiered membership structure. Foundation: Performance — the first active pillar — is co-led by Dr. Long and Dr. Jonathan Frakes, PT, DPT, CSCS. While medAge focuses on aesthetic medicine, Foundation addresses performance, longevity, and metabolic health for patients who want whole-body clinical management.