Episode 105: Nick Greathouse, RN
Nick is a Registered Nurse and Owner of Cloud 9 MedSpa. Nick has a background in Neurology, Neurosurgery, Emergency medicine, and most recently, which he is currently practicing in, Non-Invasive Aesthetic Procedures + Injectable Treatments.
Nick has a passion and personal connection with Neurology/Neurosurgery as his father has been diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease. Working in Neurology, Nick took special interest in migraine treatment with the use of Botulinum Toxin (Botox, Xeomin, Dysport) as many of the patients he worked with were unable to control their migraines with standard pharmaceutical agents. Aside from Cloud 9 MedSpa, Nick works as a Faculty Instructor for the American Academy of Facial Esthetics teaching Doctors, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants about the clinical application of Botulinum Toxins and Dermal fillers for therapeutic and cosmetic uses.
On that topic, let’s talk about how botox is used to treat migraines – can we discuss to the consumer who this might be a fit for and why it works in comparison to more traditional prescription options. Does insurance cover this cost ever?Botox Cosmetic and Botox Therapeutic are similar in that they are the same “active ingredient” but they are used and dosed differently. In patients diagnosed with migraine headaches, for example, Botox Therapeutic can sometimes be covered by insurance after a patient has been diagnosed by a physician with the condition, and they have also proven other modalities of treatment have failed to be successful. Botox Cosmetic can also be used on-label to treat forehead lines, glabella lines, and for Crow’s Feet, but an added benefit is that some patients find it also helps with relief of their headaches, which is not billable to insurance.
In addition to injectable services, you also offer IV therapy and B12/Weight loss injections. Can you help the audience understand who would benefit from those types of therapies? Our most common IV therapy is a Vitamin infusion known as the “Meyer’s Cocktail”. The Meyer’s Cocktail can assist with a more rapid recovery post-hangover, fibromyalgia, fatigue, and can help to replenish depleted vitamins as well. Lipo amino and b12 injections can assist with weight loss. Weight loss injectables (of course) goes hand in hand with diet and exercise, but can help to speed up the process as they help the liver to process fats more quickly and can improve metabolism and immune support.
How frequently should someone come in for these types of therapies? Typically, every 3-4 weeks for IVs and weekly for the weight loss shots. Nick emphasizes that not everyone is an ideal candidate for these types of therapies and that patients should be sure to align with a provider that inquires about any medical conditions they may have prior to initiation of therapy. For example, extreme caution should be used in patients with renal and cardiovascular issues.
Do you feel vitamin therapy shows improvement in various skin conditions? Are there any studies that prove this? Vitamins and herbal supplements are not studied or regulated by the FDA, but patients almost always report having a more glowing appearance to the skin post treatment- which does not come as a surprise because when we have nutrient-rich bodies, our skin glows from the inside out.
What is a PDO Thread? The PDO Thread Lift procedure is a treatment which lifts and tightens lax skin tissue, using threads made of dissolvable suture material. Over the course of several months, collagen formation takes place leaving the tissue thicker and healthier. Please note several treatments may be necessary to achieve desired results. As most anti-aging services, is best done in conjunction with professional skin care, neuromodulators and dermal fillers.
To be an ideal candidate for these types of treatments, the patient needs to have decent skin thickness (otherwise threads could be visible through the skin). The typical patient is usually between the ages of 40-60 year old. Both Annie and Nick stress that this procedure is NOT a replacement to a deep plane, SMAS (surgical) face lift. This procedure usually lasts 2+ years, and patients can expect to gain a 5mm lift.
What is the Avg cost? $200-$500 per treatment (glabella lines, for example). For more of a “full face” treatment, $1200-$3000 depending on provider and skill level.
What is the recovery for this procedure? 2-3 weeks. Swelling/bruising (and some social downtime) can be expected, but patients are not required to have pain medication, or use anesthesia during or after the procedure.
What is LED Therapy? Non-invasive, light therapy that can be used up to 3x a week for conditions including but not limited to: post injections for bruising, pain, inflammation, anti-aging, and acne.
What is DMK Therapy? Developed by, Danne Montague King, this product line stimulates all of the body’s own processes; it activates collagen stimulation, promotes blood flow with ingredients that harden and tighten, and induce a feeling of constant pulsing during treatment. Some conditions that have proven to improve with this type of therapy include acne and aging skin as it has lifting properties. DMK helps to strengthen the skin while operating at its highest potential.
In your opinion, what should a patient look for in a provider doing medical aesthetic procedures? Of course, credentials, but also someone that has experience (frequently) practicing the procedures you are interested in, and someone that invests in continuing medical education and specialized courses.
As always, you can find out more about Nick and the services he provides by visiting him on Instagram at @Nick_rn_Injector or his website: www.Cloud9medspaaz.com
