Natalie Banchik, a member of the KO’AN team in Santa Monica, is a specialist in injectables such as fillers and botulinum toxin, a neurotoxic protein commercially referred to as Botox.
“There are muscle relaxants, such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin, which when injected into the muscle relaxes it to prevent wrinkles from getting deeper and new ones from forming,” Banchik said.
Another option for clients is dermal filler injections; something that Banchik said has been used by celebrities like Kim Kardashian. Fillers are minimally invasive aesthetic injections that alter the contours of the face by adding volume and filling in wrinkles.
For patients that need volume because of weight loss, natural aging or acne scaring correction Natalie uses dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Voluma, Restylane, or Radiesse.
“Patients who are not ready for the formal facelift have the option of doing what we call the Liquid Face Lift. This is where multiple dermal fillers are injected in different areas of the face to increase volume and reverse the signs of aging,” said Banchik.
Fillers can last any where from six to nine months depending on where they are injected. “Because of continual movements of the mouth, fillers usually last around six to nine months,” Banchik said. “However, other areas like under the eyes and temples can last 9 months to a year. My favorite part about injecting fillers is it offers an instant gratification to the patient and can be molded to the patient’s expectations. I love the way fillers add volume to places like lips, cheekbones and areas around the mouth. I have been known to create beautiful and natural volumized lips. Keeping it looking natural and not overly done is my specialty.”
This process can sometimes be uncomfortable for patients to talk about, but Banchik makes herself available for any and all questions.
Patients definitely have a lot of questions. They are mostly confused about what the difference is between Botox and fillers. Also, how and where these products should be injected.
“I love to educate my patients and explain our facial anatomy for them to better understand the proper use of each aesthetic injection,” Banchik said. “Then they will know exactly what to expect in terms of results and have more confidence in my ability to artfully restore a youthful look.”
Banchik’s many years of training under world renowned plastic surgeons and certified injectable specialists makes her an expert injector.
After finishing her B.S. in Psychology at the University of California, San Diego, Banchik went on to work in Los Angeles as a Behavioral Therapist. She worked with children with special needs for a few years, a career that she found to be very rewarding and which ultimately led her to Nursing School.
Since then, she has been working at KO’AN Center, in a career and industry that she has fallen in love with.
“I love injecting,” she said. “I believe it is a true art. Every face is different and with my work I can sculpt each person to put their best face forward.”
This art form that Banchik found is one that she takes very seriously, which is something her clients are very appreciative of.
“A little goes a long way,” she said. “I like to involve my patients in their transformation where together we create a plan that will take steps in reaching their optimal goals.”
The KO’AN Center is located at Saint John’s Medical Plaza on 1301 20th St., Suite 150A, in Santa Monica.
For more information, call 310.315.3022 or visit koancenter.com.
