Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

BUSINESS INFORMATION

  • We are located at 3338 Grand Ave. Oakland, CA 94610, USA.

  • You can text us at (925) 526-5852 or email us at contact@alchemyrestorativemedicine.com

  • Please refer to the following for our business hours.

    Monday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    Tuesday 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

    Wednesday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    Thursday 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

    Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

SERVICES

BOTOX

  • It will typically last for 3 - 4 months.

  • Botox is not a one size fits all treatment. Your specialist will customize the treatment to your face and your desired effect.

  • There is no known risk to an infant from administering Botox to a breastfeeding mother. That said, it’s ultimately up to you and your practitioner to decide if you are both comfortable with treatment.

DERMAL FILLERS

  • Filler is a safe, FDA approved treatment that can improve flattened facial contours, fill in moderate to severe lines and wrinkles and enhance the way the skin reflects light.

  • It will typically last within 1 - 2 years.

OSTEOPATHY

  • OMT is a hands-on system osteopathic doctors (DOs) use to diagnose illness and injury and treat the whole person.

  • Each issue is unique and treatment plans vary depending on a variety of factors including the duration of symptoms, degree of trauma/injuries, and patient's overall health and lifestyle.

SCULPTRA

  • Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable that addresses the underlying cause of facial aging by gradually replacing lost collagen, which is the most common protein in the body that is used to support cells and tissue.

  • The number of injections at each session will vary based on the treatment plan determined by you and your aesthetic professional.

MICRONEEDLING

  • This is ideal for patients who want to improve acne scars, wrinkles and fine lines, volume and plumpness, facial folds and lines.

  • The treatment is one hour, with minimal downtime, long lasting results, and very few side effects.

KYBELLA (Double Chin Treatment)

  • Once the affected cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat, so further treatment is not expected once you reach your desired aesthetic goal.

  • The number of treatments depends on your individual goals. While a single treatment may achieve the results you want, it is not uncommon for patients to get a series of 2-3. Your personal plan will be decided after consulting with your specialist.

  • After treatment, you will likely have swelling, some bruising, or numbness under your chin. However, nothing is required for care post-treatment. Simply ice your chin if it feels tender.

CHEMICAL PEEL

  • Immediately after the peel has been applied the skin will appear orange. The peeling process consists of a moderate sloughing of thin sheets of epidermis (outermost layer skin) from days 3-5. The entire process is finished on day 7.

  • After a single treatment, overall skin tone and complexion will appear smooth, glowing and fresh. Depending on your skin condition, multiple treatments may be necessary for desired results. A series of treatments applied once every 4 weeks will allow for optimal results for more severe skin concerns such as Melasma and active acne. Many patients opt to do a peel 2-4 times per year to maintain their results.

  • Our in office peel contains a mixture of potent and effective acids in combination with the powerful antioxidants Vitamin C and Glutathione.

  • The application only takes 15 minutes to administer.

  • All skin types (Fitzpatrick 1-6) and all ethnicities are safe to treat and will benefit from this treatment.

  • It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Topical retinoids for 3 days prior and glycolic products for 10 days prior. It cannot be performed if there are open wounds, sunburn, infected skin, or cold sores or if the patient has had waxing, electrolysis or chemical exfoliant for 3 days prior.

  • Normal activities may be resumed immediately post peel. We recommend avoiding heavy exercise and excessive sweating during the peeling process. Sun exposure should be limited if not avoided during the peel process to avoid uneven exposure.

  • You will receive a post peel kit with mineral sunscreen and a post peel moisturizer. You can wear makeup on day 2 of the peeling process and resume your regular skincare routine once the peeling process is complete.

BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER APPOINTMENTS

  • Please fill out digital paperwork and consent forms emailed prior to your appointment and arrive on time.

  • Metered street parking is available on Grand Avenue. You can use the park mobile app (https://parkmobile.io/) in zone 44202 for contactless payment. Also, allow extra time for parking on Saturdays and afternoon/evening appointments.

  • For osteopathic appointments, please wear loose fitting clothing

    For aesthetic appointments, it's ideal to arrive without makeup.

  • It is ideal to avoid blood thinners prior to injections, including Aspirin, Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS,) Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Ginkgo Biloba, St John's Wort, Ginseng, and Garlic supplements for 1 week prior to minimize bleeding and bruising.

PAYMENT and PRICING

  • Pricing is based on the practitioner’s customized assessment of your concern, so it’s important for the practitioner to see you to determine the best treatment plan. You can actually either virtual or in-person consultation.

  • We accept Cash, credit card, Venmo, Zelle, and Apple Pay.

  • Alchemy Restorative Medicine does not accept insurance, but for all Osteopathy treatments, we can provide a medical bill at the time of service that can be submitted for reimbursement. You can check with your insurance company in advance regarding out-of-network reimbursement rates for a new patient visit (99203) and follow-up visit (99213.)

MEMBERSHIP and CANCELLATION

  • Because Dr. Bernard only books one appointment per time slot, there is a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, there is a $100 late cancel fee for a brief visit or consultation (40 minutes or less) and $250 late cancel fee for a longer comprehensive appointment (45 minutes or longer).

  • Tardiness beyond 10 minutes may result in inadequate time to complete your service and you will be subject to the late cancellation fee.

  • Our insider membership will cost $59/month.

  • You will have discounts on all services at every single visit, 6 month bonus, anniversary bonus, 15% off on all products, and free vitamin injection or skincare every time you come in for service.

RESOURCES