4 Signs You Might Be a Good Candidate for HRT June 10, 2025 - Rhys Branman, MD So you’re thinking about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and wondering, can it really do all they say it can? If you have a hormone deficiency, the answer is likely yes! Bringing your hormones into balance can be life-changing, relieving mood swings and chronic fatigue, among other not-so-fun, and sometimes debilitating, symptoms. However, hormone therapy must be administered by a highly-qualified provider who tailors your treatment to experience the best results. At Exhale Med Spa, our board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Crystal Marcussen, uses advanced hormone analysis to ensure your treatment is completely customized and follows you throughout your treatment. Below,...
Hot vs. Hype: Beef Tallow May 28, 2025 - Rhys Branman, MD Hype. Beef tallow doesn't live up to the hype. Here’s why. Beef Tallow is essentially fat rendered from cows. It’s rich in fatty acids, vitamins and has great moisturizing properties. However, it also contains oleic acid which can disrupt the skin's barrier. When the skins barrier is compromised, it becomes more vulnerable to irritation and skin sensitivities that could potentially lead to conditions such as eczema & rosacea. How Beef Tallow interacts with your skin Now let’s talk pH. Our skin’s natural pH ranges from 4.5 to 5.5. The pH of Beef Tallow is typically between 6.0 to 7.0 or possibly higher. This means it...
Hot vs. Hype: PDRN a.k.a. “Salmon Sperm” May 8, 2025 - Rhys Branman, MD Hot! The next big thing in beauty: Salmon Sperm “Salmon-sperm” is creating buzz in the beauty industry, why? Research shows that salmon sperm shares similarities with DNA found in human placentas, giving it a gold star for its abilities. Not only does the term “salmon sperm” have a shock factor, but it works! Some of these benefits include stimulating collagen production, promoting tissue regeneration, and reducing inflammation. What is PDRN? PDRN stands for Polydeoxyribonucleotide, a DNA fragment derived from the sperm cells of salmon, trout, or chum salmon. The DNA fragments go through a purification process allowing for the recovery of...
Considering Botox for the First Time? 7 Things to Know April 24, 2025 - Rhys Branman, MD Botox is a popular non-surgical treatment that is often the first step people take toward refreshing their appearance and softening the early signs of aging. Botox in Little Rock is safe, quick, and highly effective—but if it’s your first time, you may have questions about how it works and what to expect. To help you feel informed and confident, our expert Botox providers, Leslie H. Branman, RN, BSN, and Hannah Wright, NP, are sharing 7 things every first-time Botox patient should know. 1. Botox results aren’t immediate, but they don’t take long You might leave your appointment looking exactly the...
Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated Skin: Yes, There’s a Difference! April 10, 2025 - Rhys Branman, MD Is your skin feeling tight, dull, or flaky? You might assume you have dry skin—but hold on! Your skin could actually be dehydrated. Although these two skin concerns sound similar, and even feel the same at times, they’re not one and the same. Understanding the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin is key to giving your skin exactly what it needs to stay smooth and healthy. Here, our Little Rock med spa’s expert skincare providers are breaking it down. What is dry skin? Dry skin is a skin type, just like oily or combination skin. You are born with...
Can I recreate cosmetic treatments at home? March 6, 2025 - Rhys Branman, MD The internet and social media are full of DIY beauty hacks, but can you really perform cosmetic treatments on yourself and expect the same results as a trained professional? At our Little Rock med spa, we are all for at-home skincare, however, some treatments are best left to the experts. Here’s what you need to know before trying to recreate professional cosmetic treatments at home. The Risks of DIY “At Home” Cosmetic Treatments Many professional cosmetic procedures rely on advanced technology, thoroughly tested devices, and medical-grade products—most of which cannot be sold to the general public because usage should only...
“Ballerina Breast Augmentation” is the Latest Trend in Breast Aesthetics February 6, 2025 - Rhys Branman, MD Petite breast augmentation, also called “Ballerina Breast Augmentation,” is a trending term women are using to describe their breast enhancement goals: natural, proportionate results with smaller breast implants. Below, Little Rock cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys Branman answers some of the most-asked questions about achieving elegant breast augmentation results with this approach. 1. How many CCs is a ballerina breast augmentation? Ballerina Breast Augmentation typically involves smaller implant sizes ranging from 150 to 275 CCs. These minimalist breast implant sizes are perfect for achieving natural-looking breast augmentation for women with a petite frame or very active lifestyle who don’t want a...
Will Filler Weigh My Lips Down? + Your Top Filler Questions, Answered January 16, 2025 - Rhys Branman, MD Are you considering lip fillers but worried about looking unnatural or “weighed down”? At our Little Rock med spa, we get it, and we want to address these concerns so you can make an informed decision and get a look you love. Below, our experienced Little Rock injectors, Leslie H. Branman, BSN, RN, and Hannah Wright, NP, answer common questions patients have about getting gorgeous, natural-looking results from fillers. Will filler weigh my lips down? No, filler will not weigh your lips down when administered correctly. Modern lip fillers are designed to add volume and enhance the natural shape of...
Dancing With The Stars’ Lindsay Arnold Discusses Pre-Breast Surgery Fears January 3, 2025 - Rhys Branman, MD Dancing With The Stars alum Lindsay Arnold recently opened up about getting a breast lift and augmentation, documenting each part of her journey for her fans on social media. In her posts and videos, she shared the rollercoaster of emotions she felt leading up to surgery day, including excitement, nervousness, and even a nightmare where her breasts looked the exact same after her surgery. Here, Little Rock breast augmentation specialist Dr. Rhys Branman shares his perspective on Lindsay’s experience and some helpful guidance for those considering cosmetic breast surgery. Dr. Branman’s Response I’ve performed thousands of breast enhancement procedures over...
Will I have scars after a facelift? December 5, 2024 - Rhys Branman, MD Some of the questions often asked before a patient undergoes a facelift here at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center is: Will I have scars? Will the scars show? How long will the incisions take to heal? These are very good questions. Scars are possible whenever skin is cut or wounded, that simple. So the real question is where and how visible will the scars be. This is particularly important with your face because not only is your face always exposed, but your face is your identity. This is also one reason realistic expectations and well thought out decision making and...